Fast Charging Advancements and Struggles in Europe Uncovered
Europe Leads the Way in Fast Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles
Europe is at the forefront of the global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and their charging infrastructure. With over 745,000 public charging points, the continent boasts more than 98,000 fast charging points, a figure that continues to grow.
Approximately one-third of all fast charging points in Europe are located on highways, with this figure rising to about half for charging points of 150 kW and above. This strategic deployment supports long-distance travel, making EVs a viable option for journeys across the continent.
The evolution of Europe's fast charging network can be traced back to the publication of the DIN SPEC 70121 in 2012, which introduced the Combo 2 connector (CCS) for fast charging. In 2014, the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Directive (AFID) mandated the use of Combo 2 connectors for EV chargers.
Ionity, a joint venture among BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Hyundai, has been instrumental in deploying fast charging stations across major European highways. CharIN, created in 2015 to promote the CCS connector, has also played a significant role in this development.
The European market for EVs is diverse, with wealthier nations like Norway, the Nordic countries, and the Netherlands leading in BEV adoption. Norway, in particular, has an 18% market share of BEVs and a high rate of fast charging points. Germany, France, and the UK have the highest number of fast charging points among European countries.
The insights from Gireve's study emphasize the importance of continued investment, standardization, and policy support in expanding the fast charging ecosystem. In France, for example, the LOM legislation mandates that 5% of parking spaces be equipped with charge points, accelerating deployment at retail locations.
The Tesla network, once exclusive to Tesla drivers, was opened to non-Tesla drivers in 2021. In 2023, the United States and Germany focused particularly on expanding the ad-hoc payment system within the Tesla network.
The lessons from Europe's fast charging network development offer valuable guidance for other regions on their electrification journeys. The European fast charging network's evolution has been driven by economic factors, strategic deployment, and collaborative efforts, providing a blueprint for success in other parts of the world.
