EN 18031 Certification Will Change the EU EV Chargers Landscape
All EV chargers entering the EU market after August 2025—so long as they are equipped with wireless communication functions such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, RFID, or cellular connectivity—must comply with the new EN 18031 regulations. Compliance is an essential prerequisite for meeting the EU’s mandatory requirements regarding cybersecurity, data protection, and fraud prevention for networked devices, especially as specified by the Radio Equipment Directive (RED). EN 18031 certification will further raise the market entry threshold for EV chargers in the EU, accelerating the industry’s shift toward companies with strong compliance, technological innovation, and brand trust.
▶ EN 18031 and Its Scope of Application
The EN 18031 series (including EN 18031-1, EN 18031-2, and EN 18031-3) has been designated as a harmonized standard under the RED since January 2025. These standards concretely translate the cybersecurity, privacy, and fraud prevention clauses (Articles 3(3)(d–f)) of the RED, and cover all “wireless devices capable of communicating over the Internet.” As a result, all charging stations equipped with wireless interfaces must comply with EN 18031 requirements in order to be lawfully placed on the EU market after August 1, 2025.
▶ Higher Thresholds and Industry Consolidation
EN 18031 mandates that all EV chargers with wireless communication capabilities must have cybersecurity certification when sold in the EU from August 2025 onward; non-compliant products will be banned. This means that smaller or low-cost manufacturers lacking compliance technology and certification experience will find it harder to enter or remain competitive in the market. Meanwhile, large enterprises and technology-driven companies will secure early-mover and competitive advantages through sustained investment in R&D and compliance systems.
▶ Technological Innovation and Brand Premium Enhancement
Gaining EN 18031 certification demonstrates that a product has a high level of cybersecurity and data protection, helping dispel concerns among operators and end users. Technology-leading companies will leverage this to drive product security upgrades and achieve deeper connectivity with vehicles, payment systems, and energy infrastructure, creating additional value and differentiation. Companies with high brand trust will be more likely to secure large projects and long-term partnerships, thereby increasing their market share.
▶ Other Related Requirements
Besides the contents specified in EN 18031, EV chargers must also comply with other existing CE certification requirements, such as standards for electrical safety, EMC, and functional performance (like the EN 61851 series), and, starting in 2026, EN ISO 15118, which supports secure communication and interoperability. EN 18031 is unique in specifically addressing cybersecurity demands arising from device connectivity.
▶ Conclusion
EN 18031 certification will directly impact the market entry threshold, competitive structure, and brand landscape of the EU EV charger industry. Standardization, compliance, and technological security will become the key factors determining a company’s survival and growth.