Portugal is set to overhaul its electric vehicle (EV) charging regulations, paving the way for Tesla to expand its Supercharger network in the country after a years-long hiatus.
The proposed legislation, introduced by Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro, aims to simplify and liberalize the EV charging sector, removing barriers that have required stations to be linked to a state-run app. Amaro said the existing framework was a remnant of past monopoly laws and emphasized that charging an EV should be as seamless as refueling a gasoline vehicle.
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After 4.5 years, great progress in unblocking charging investment and driving EV adoption in Portugal.
→ Draft bill approved today, aligning Portuguese charging regulations with European regulations
→ Public consultation period next
→ Once green-lit, we’ll quickly open more… https://t.co/fOvN1Gm3hY— Tesla Charging (@TeslaCharging) February 26, 2025
The Council of Ministers has approved key changes, including eliminating the requirement for gas stations to hold contracts with energy suppliers for EV charging and allowing drivers to pay with standard electronic payment methods.
Additionally, new provisions will mandate bidirectional charging capabilities, enabling EVs to contribute power back to the grid, and ensure that green electricity is used.
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Tesla welcomed the regulatory shift on social media, calling it “great progress in unblocking charging investment and driving EV adoption in Portugal.” The company stated that, if the measure is enacted, it will rapidly expand its Supercharger network in time for the summer travel season.
The legislation now enters a public consultation phase before final approval.