In 4 years in Europe: a charging station along the motorway every 60 km
In the Netherlands you can find charging stations for electric cars almost everywhere, but this is not yet the norm in many European countries. The European Parliament wants to change that. In 2026 there must be a charging station for cars, buses and trucks every 60 kilometers along the autobahn.
Incidentally, the proposal does not refer to “motorways” but to “important European roads”. Along these arterial roads, charging stations must be installed every 60 kilometers and hydrogen stations every 100 kilometers. The deadlines have been set at 2026 and 2028, respectively, with exceptions for quiet roads, remote regions and islands.
Charging station should indicate the kWh price more clearly
The European Parliament is also of the opinion that the price for charging should be made much more transparent. The price per kWh must be clearly displayed at charging stations and the price per kilo at hydrogen stations. Within five years, a European data center is to be created that will share real-time information about the availability of charging stations, waiting times and current prices.
European countries should have kept promises
MEP Ismail Ertug believes that individual countries are not doing enough to expand the charging network. “We currently have around 377,000 charging stations in the EU. That is half of what we would have if European countries had kept their promises. We need to build the infrastructure fast enough to save our Green Deal.”
Ready to start negotiations with Member States
The European Parliament is now ready to start negotiations with the Member States. The proposal to expand Europe’s charging infrastructure over the next few years was accepted with a large majority: 485 votes in favor and 65 against. 80 MPs abstained.