Ready for the new MID directive? Prepare your charging points in 8 steps

As charging points and charging stations play an increasingly important role in daily mobility, the importance of reliable measurements is also growing. A charging point is not just a connection for an electric car, but also a measuring instrument where billing is based on. EV drivers, companies, and operators must be able to trust that the billed kilowatt-hours match the energy actually delivered.

Requirements for Meters in Charging Points

With the new MID directive (EU) 2026/706, harmonized European requirements are introduced for measuring systems in charging infrastructure for electric vehicles for the first time. For operators, this means that measurement accuracy, certification, monitoring, and documentation become a structural part of professional charge point management.

Where to Start?

The new directive is already in effect. By April 2028, all EU countries must have implemented the directive into national legislation. Starting preparations on time is essential. But where do you start? And how do you ensure that your charging points will demonstrably comply with the new requirements?

The step-by-step guide below helps operators to systematically map out their charging infrastructure, determine risks, and practically organize measurement control.

Step 1: Map Your Charging Points and Stations

Start with a complete inventory of all charging points. Record per location which type of charge point it is, whether it involves AC or DC charging, which meter is used, which software version is active, and what certificates are available.

For operators, this is the basis. Without a good overview, it is difficult to determine which charging points already comply, which require extra attention, and where the greatest risks are.

Step 2: Determine Where Billing is Based on Measured Consumption

Not every charging point has the same role. A charge point for internal use requires a different approach than a public charge station where EV drivers pay per kWh.

Therefore, map out where energy is passed on to employers, employees, visitors, tenants, customers, or other third parties. Measurement accuracy is especially important in these locations, as users must be able to trust that the billed amount of energy is correct.

Step 3: Check Certificates, Software, and Technical Documentation

Gather the available documentation per charging point. Consider:

• MID certificates
• Type approvals / Declarations of Conformity
• Used software / firmware versions
• Installation declarations
• Technical datasheets
• Maintenance records

Check that the certification applies to the correct implementation of the charging station, including the used meter, software version, and configuration. This prevents a situation where a charging point seems to comply on paper but deviates from the certified situation in practice.

Step 4: Conduct a Risk Assessment per Location

Not all charging points need to be addressed simultaneously. Prioritize charging points with many transactions, high charging volumes, direct billing to third parties, missing documentation, or previous complaints about charging sessions and invoices. This way, a practical sequence is created.

Start with the charging points where the financial, legal, and reputational risks are greatest.

Step 5: Establish a Process for Testing and Monitoring

Although the new MID directive does not prescribe a fixed interval for periodic checks, it is wise for operators to consider verification of measurement performance throughout the life of a charging station. Therefore, include measurement control in the regular management process. For example, check charging points at commissioning, periodically such as during maintenance, after repairs, after software changes, and in case of complaints.

Step 6: Use Only Suitable Equipment

Testing charging stations can be outsourced to specialized parties or carried out in-house. In the latter case, suitable testing equipment, calibrated reference instruments, and well-trained technicians are important.

Our experts assist operators and service partners in choosing appropriate testing and monitoring equipment.

Step 7: Document Measurement Results and Changes Evidently

Measurement only has value if the results are well documented. Record when measurements were taken, by whom, with what equipment, what the outcome was, and any subsequent actions taken. Also, document changes in hardware, software, and configuration. A firmware update, replaced meter, or adjusted back-office link can influence the measurement chain. By documenting this well, it remains evident that the charging point measures correctly and bills reliably.

Store measurement reports and documentation centrally so they are immediately accessible during audits, inspections, or user inquiries.

Step 8: Double Check the Chain from Measurement to Invoice

The measurement in the charging point is important, but the entire chain counts. Therefore, also check how measurement data is forwarded, processed, and used for billing. Look into the registration of the charging session, communication with the back office, processing of kWh data, tariff calculation, and the final invoice. This prevents a good measurement from resulting in an incorrect billing.

The 8 steps at a glance:

1. Map out all charging points and stations.
2. Determine where consumption is billed based on measurement.
3. Check certificates, software, and technical documentation.
4. Create a risk assessment for each location.
5. Set up a process for testing and verification.
6. Only use suitable equipment.
7. Document measurement results and changes demonstrably.
8. Check the chain from measurement to invoice.