Regulatory sandbox for electric mobility: Enhancing charging infrastructure and innovation

Abstract

This study proposes the adoption of the Regulatory Sandbox as a tool for normative experimentation and subsequent policy development, aiming to accelerate the transition to electric mobility while ensuring greater legal certainty in the legislative adjustments required. Electric mobility constitutes a technological advancement offering multiple benefits; however, it faces significant challenges, particularly in Brazil, regarding charging infrastructure. Regulatory uncertainty is a critical barrier to infrastructure development, undermining business models and deterring investments. Key issues include defining energy tariffs, taxation policies, and classifying energy as a commodity or service. The study underscores the urgency of regulatory advancements and highlights risks associated with the absence of an adaptive framework for fostering national electric mobility. The primary objective is to demonstrate how a “core” regulatory experimentation process can lay the foundation for “satellite” initiatives aimed at constructing a flexible regulatory framework tailored to emerging technologies. It also addresses the critical role of energy distributors and the necessity of designing a novel tariff model for charging infrastructure, enabling pre-legislative testing of regulatory measures. Also, by aligning with the existing tariff sandbox overseen by the Brazilian National Electric Energy Agency, operational in the country, and drawing on Italy's successful experience, this research explores the sandbox's potential to establish adaptive regulatory signals conducive to technological evolution in electric mobility, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7 and 13).