The Growing Importance of EV Charging in Europe’s Automotive Industry
The electrification of Europe’s automotive industry hinges heavily on a robust and expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. As the number of EVs on the road rises, so does the demand for more charging points. By the end of 2023, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) reported 632,423 public charging points across the EU. In comparison, approximately three million battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) were already in use.
Between 2017 and 2023, BEV sales surged an astonishing 18-fold—significantly outstripping the sixfold growth in charging infrastructure during the same period. Looking ahead, the industry forecasts a need for 8.8 million charging points by 2030. Achieving this goal means installing roughly 1.2 million chargers annually, nearly 10 times the current pace. In 2023 alone, just 153,000 new public chargers were added, highlighting the challenge ahead.
Europe’s Ambitious Targets and Policy Framework
To support the much-needed electrification and meet the EU’s ambitious target of a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions from passenger cars, the European Commission has set a goal of installing 3.5 million charging points by 2030. The deployment of public charging stations across Europe is governed by the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), part of the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ package introduced in 2021.
AFIR mandates the installation of fast-charging stations with a minimum output of 150kW every 60 kilometers along the EU’s primary transport corridors starting in 2025. While the regulation sets clear requirements for EU member states to incorporate into national laws, it stops short of binding obligations on market participants such as EV charger manufacturers and grid operators.
Regional Leaders and Disparities in Infrastructure
A closer look at Europe reveals stark contrasts in EV infrastructure deployment. Germany, France, and the Netherlands—though covering only 20% of the EU’s surface area—account for an impressive 61% of all public charging points. In contrast, the other 24 EU member states, which cover around 80% of the land area, collectively host just 39% of charging points.
The European Alternative Fuels Observatory (EAFO) identifies diverse regional strategies. Western European countries excel with extensive, well-funded networks boasting significant high-power chargers, though their average charging power per charging point is lower than some other nations. Southern European countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece are advancing but with generally lower power outputs. The Nordic region shows steady growth with moderate charging power.
Central and Eastern European countries such as Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia, Croatia, and the Czech Republic offer higher charging power per station but suffer from smaller overall network sizes, reflecting lower EV adoption rates.
Challenges and Rising Competition in the Market
Operating an integrated charging network across Europe comes with its own set of challenges—including navigating differing energy regulations, multiple currencies, and adjusting to the recently implemented AFIR.
As the EV market expands, competition among charger manufacturers and charging point operators (CPOs) is intensifying. A notable newcomer is feyree, which launched a new AC public charger this year. According to feyree’s head of product development, the charger is designed with flexibility and customization in mind, prioritizing ease of installation—a smart move in an increasingly competitive environment.