Europe Hits Milestone: One Million Public Charging Points
Welcome, Net Zero News readers,
Exciting news for electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts and advocates! Europe’s EV industry has recently achieved a remarkable milestone: the installation of one million public charge points. This significant development, revealed through research conducted by LCP Delta, underscores the continent’s commitment to expanding electric mobility.
This achievement marks a transformative leap since the milestone of 100,000 charge points was reached just seven years ago in 2018. The rapid growth in infrastructure is a positive sign for the future of EV adoption across Europe, with LCP Delta projecting an acceleration that will see the number of public charge points double to two million by 2029 and reach an impressive three million by 2032.
The driving forces behind this substantial expansion include supportive government policies, a surge in electric vehicle adoption, and increased investments from charge point operators (CPOs) and private infrastructure funds. As more drivers make the switch to electric, the demand for accessible charging infrastructure is more critical than ever.
Leading the charge in public charging infrastructure is The Netherlands, boasting over 175,000 charge points. This success can be attributed to robust government funding initiatives, including the establishment of convenient on-street charging locations. France trails closely with 165,000 charge points, primarily concentrated in densely populated urban areas. Germany ranks third, with 140,000 charge points, although it distinguishes itself with a higher proportion of high-power chargers to accommodate faster charging needs.
Interestingly, while the UK has sold the most fully-electric vehicles, it sits fourth in terms of available public chargers, with only 95,000 charge points. However, many UK drivers prefer to charge their vehicles at home, thanks to the nation’s high levels of off-street parking.
Despite these encouraging statistics, LCP Delta has identified several key challenges that need addressing. The report notes that public charging utilisation rates remained stagnant in 2024, suggesting that simply increasing the number of charge points may not be enough to meet the needs of all users. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the price disparity between domestic and public charging, which has been highlighted by FairCharge’s VAT campaign.
John Murray, Head of EVs at LCP Delta, shared his insights on this landmark achievement, stating:
“Reaching 1 million public charge points is a defining moment for the EV charging industry and highlights Europe’s leadership in the shift to electric mobility.” He emphasised that “a reliable, widespread public charging network is essential to support EV adoption, particularly for drivers who do not have the option of charging at home.”
Murray also foresaw that crossing the one million charge point threshold could usher in a new era for the public charging industry. This future is likely to be characterised by faster charging speeds, increased reliability, and improved utilisation rates. However, he cautioned that the next few years could lead to significant market consolidation, with some CPOs potentially exiting the market due to heightened competition. “The next five years could define the winners for the decades to come,” he remarked.
As we celebrate this milestone, it is crucial to remain vigilant about the obstacles that lie ahead. The road to a fully electrified Europe is paved with challenges, but with collective efforts and continued investment, we can ensure that the transition to electric mobility remains on track. The future is electrifying, and together, we can make it a reality!
Stay tuned to the Net Zero News Network for further updates on the EV landscape and more insights into the journey towards a sustainable future. Together, we can drive change and champion the cause of net zero!
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