The European Union’s charging infrastructure has expanded significantly, with the number of charging points reaching approximately 845,000 by the end of 2024—a 180% increase from 2021, according to an interim assessment by the EU Commission. The report suggests that most member states are on track to meet or exceed the minimum targets set by the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) before the 2030 deadline.
Alongside the overall increase in charging points, the EU Commission noted an improvement in average charging capacity, which has risen from 26 kW to 33 kW per charging point. The region now has over 15,000 ultra-fast chargers exceeding 350 kW, a key component of the bloc’s strategy to support widespread electric vehicle adoption.
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Despite these advances, the Commission flagged a significant shortfall in charging infrastructure for electric trucks. While more than 13,500 electric trucks are already registered in the EU, the current network is largely designed for passenger vehicles. Many fast-charging stations lack the space to accommodate large trucks, often requiring drivers to unhitch trailers to access chargers. AFIR mandates that over 20,000 truck-compatible charging points be established along the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) by 2030.
To accelerate this rollout, the EU is allocating substantial funding through the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF), with a total budget of €2 billion. In the latest funding round, charging infrastructure firm Milence secured over €111 million to build 71 truck charging hubs across multiple countries, while E.ON Drive Infrastructure (EDRI) received €45 million to install 427 truck charging points and 932 car charging points.
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The Commission also criticized bureaucratic delays in permitting new charging stations. “Planning and authorisation procedures should not take years, but months,” the Deutsche Verkehrs-Zeitung quoted EU authorities as saying. Officials also stressed the importance of fostering competition to control costs and urged governments to streamline concession procedures.
Under AFIR, EU member states must establish fast-charging stations for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with a minimum capacity of 150 kW every 60 kilometers along TEN-T routes. Heavy-duty vehicles must have access to 350 kW chargers every 60 kilometers along the core network and every 100 kilometers on the broader TEN-T network. Additionally, hydrogen refueling stations must be installed at key urban transport hubs and every 200 kilometers along the core TEN-T corridors.
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With full network coverage required by 2030, the EU Commission emphasized that while AFIR sets the minimum framework, the private sector will play a crucial role in optimizing the density and placement of charging and refueling infrastructure.
Source: dvz.de