As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) grows, the need for charging infrastructure becomes more critical. In Turkey, the establishment and regulation of charging station network companies are governed by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK), ensuring compliance with national standards and regulations.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on the licensing process, required documents, and regulatory framework for establishing an electric vehicle charging stations in Turkey.

Legal Framework for Charging Station Licenses

In Turkey, Law No. 6446 on the Electricity Market (“EPK”) was amended through Law No. 7346 on December 25, 2021, to regulate charging services for electric vehicles. These amendments set the general framework for charging station operations, mandating that all charging services be provided within the scope of a Charging Network Operator License, issued by EPDK.

On April 2, 2022, EPDK published the Charging Services Regulation and the Procedures and Principles for Charging Network Operator License Applications, outlining the compliance requirements for companies.

All charging network operators must hold a valid Charging Network Operator License, which is issued for a maximum of 49 years and remains under the continuous supervision of EPDK.

Key Requirements for Obtaining Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Turkey

Network Operator License

Eligibility Criteria

To operate an EV charging network in Turkey, companies must obtain a Charging Network Operator License from EPDK.

• The applicant must be a legal entity established as a joint-stock company (A.Ş.) or a limited liability company (Ltd. Şti.) under Turkish Commercial Law.
• The minimum capital requirement is 4,500,000 TL, subject to annual adjustments by EPDK.
• If established as a joint-stock company, all shares (except those publicly traded) must be registered shares (nama yazılı) in accordance with capital markets regulations. Bearer shares (hamiline yazılı) are not permitted except for publicly traded ones.
• State-owned enterprises may also apply for a license and are exempt from the minimum capital requirement.

Application Process for a Charging Network Operator License

Companies applying for a Charging Network Operator License must follow these steps:

Step 1: Authorization of an Electronic Application Representative

• Before submitting an application, the company must designate an authorized representative to complete the process electronically.
• This individual must be registered with EPDK and granted electronic application authorization.

Step 2: Submission of Required Documents

The following documents must be uploaded to the EPDK application system:

• License application petition (signed by the applicant)
• Company articles of association
• Documents related to ownership structure
• Proof of current capital amount
• License fee payment receipt
• Certificate sample (a sample certificate issued by the license holder for third-party operators)
• Trademark registration certificate

All documents must be submitted in electronic format through the EPDK system.

Step 3: Review, Evaluation, and Approval

• EPDK reviews applications within 10 business days.
• If deficiencies are found, applicants have 15 business days to correct them.
• If the deficiencies are not resolved within the given time, the application is deemed not submitted.

Step 4: Issuance and Entry into Force

• Approved licenses are granted through an EPDK Board decision.
• The trade name, registered trademark, and license duration of the company are published on the official EPDK website.
• The license becomes effective on the date specified in the document.

License Fees and Annual Payments

The charging network operator license is subject to various fees, including:

• License issuance fee
• License amendment fees
• License copy issuance fees
• Annual license fees

The annual license fee is calculated based on the net sales revenue from charging services and must be deposited into EPDK’s account by July 31 of the following year.

For the first five years following the enactment of the regulation, no annual license fees are collected.

License Duration and Renewal

• The maximum license period is 49 years.
• A license renewal request must be submitted between nine and three months before the current license expires.
• The EPDK Board evaluates and approves extensions based on compliance history.

Charging Station Installation and Operational Requirements

Mandatory Network Coverage

• The charging network must be established within six months of receiving the license.
• A minimum of 50 charging units must be installed across at least five different districts.
• At least 5% of all charging units and 50% of highway units must be DC fast chargers (50 kW or higher).

Technical Compliance and Payment Systems

• AC chargers must include a Type-2 charging socket (TS EN 62196-2 standard).
• DC chargers must be equipped with a Combo-2 charging system (TS EN 62196-3 standard).
• Charging stations must support multiple payment methods and provide clear usage instructions.

Charging Station Licensing and Expansion

• Operators must obtain a business opening and operating license for each charging station.
• Any expansion or removal of charging stations from the network must be reported to EPDK.

Termination and Compliance Obligations

• Licenses may be terminated if companies fail to establish a charging network within the required period or do not maintain operations.
• Charging network operators must ensure data security, comply with TEMPEST standards, and report network activities to EPDK.
• Operators must keep charging service data for at least five years and allow regulatory audits.

Conclusion

The EV charging network in Turkey is highly regulated, requiring companies to meet strict compliance standards. Obtaining a Charging Network Operator License from EPDK is essential for legally operating charging stations, benefiting from government incentives, and contributing to the growth of sustainable transportation.

For expert guidance on the licensing process, compliance, and investment opportunities, feel free to contact us.