| May 2026

Exploring ‘(Non-)Discrimination’ in Charging Infrastructure Sharing

Sustainability 2026, 18(10), 5117.
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Abstract

In the context of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, “non-discriminatory access” is a fundamental principle that ensures equal and fair access to public charging facilities for users, electricity suppliers, and service providers. The overarching goals of non-discriminatory access are to promote competition in the electric mobility market, improve user-friendliness and acceptance of electric vehicles, and serve as a key enabler for the successful transition to electric mobility. Emerging digital and technological innovations, including smart load management and interoperable billing platforms, are reshaping charging practices. In this context, inter-organizational EVCI sharing is gaining relevance as a means to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and mitigate disparities in infrastructure availability. While numerous actor-specific challenges and opportunities are examined within the framework of the FAMOUS project, this article develops a matrix based on qualitative interviews, a requirements analysis, and a semi-systematic literature review of the term “non-discrimination”. The matrix is applied in two contexts: first, to public EVCI sharing in Germany and, second, to inter-organizational EVCI sharing within the FAMOUS project. In doing so, the matrix is tested, showing potential areas of discrimination. As such, the paper contributes to the still under-researched field of just mobility transitions and the expansion of charging infrastructure.

Related projects

FAMOUS

The goal of the project is to increase the economic viability of charging stations through cross-operational use.

IKEM-Author(s)

Further information

Suggested citation:
Weber, Annika; Appel, Alexandra; Pfeiffer, Zeno: Exploring ‘(Non-)Discrimination’ in Charging Infrastructure Sharing. Sustainability 2026, 18(10), 5117. 2026.
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