A line graph showing the growth of public electric vehicle charge points in Europe from January 2021 to July 2024.

Overall YoY growth in Europe: Are we on track?

From 2021 to 2024, Europe’s EV charging network has experienced an average Year-over-Year (YoY) growth rate of approximately 55,4%. This impressive growth demonstrates Europe’s strong momentum in expanding its EV infrastructure, positioning the continent as a global leader in the shift toward electric mobility. However, despite this rapid growth, Europe is still some distance from meeting the ambitious targets set by the European Union. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), Europe will need up to 8,8 million charge points by 2030 to support the expected surge in EV adoption. With over 900.000 charge points in place as of mid-2024, there is still a significant gap to close.

Distribution of Public Charge Points across European countries

The distribution of charge points across Europe is heavily concentrated in a few key countries. The Netherlands, Germany, and France together account for nearly half of all charge points in Europe. This concentration reflects both the market maturity and the strategic investments made by these nations.

 

The Netherlands has 169.216 public charge points, representing 19,5% of Europe’s total network. The country’s strong commitment to EV adoption, supported by government incentives and a robust infrastructure, makes it a model for other nations. Germany follows closely with 152.332 charge points, while France has 119.481. Together, these countries are pivotal in Europe’s EV landscape, providing extensive coverage across urban and rural areas.

 

Despite the strong presence of charge points in these leading countries, the distribution remains uneven. The top five countries—Netherlands, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Belgium—house the majority of Europe’s EV infrastructure, leaving other regions with less comprehensive coverage.

Growth of individual countries

While the overall growth across Europe has been significant, individual countries have seen varying rates of expansion. Belgium and Finland have shown particularly strong growth rates, with Belgium experiencing a growth of 190% and Finland 158% between January 2023 and July 2024. These figures highlight the aggressive push toward electrification in these countries, even though they still represent a smaller proportion of the total network.

 

Greece has seen an astonishing 480% increase in charge points from 2023 to 2024. However, despite this impressive growth, Greece accounts for only about 1% of the total charge points in Europe, reflecting its still relatively small share in the overall network.

Growth and distribution of AC, DC, and HPC chargers

The diversity of charging solutions in Europe’s network has been expanding to meet the different needs of EV drivers. Between July 2023 and July 2024, all types of chargers—AC, DC, and HPC—have seen notable growth.

 

AC chargers, representing about 84% of the network, are critical for routine, slower charging, especially in urban settings where vehicles are parked for extended periods. From July 2023 to July 2024, AC chargers increased by approximately 10%.

 

DC fast chargers, comprising 7% of the network, are essential for long-distance travel, providing faster charging times at strategic locations along highways and major routes. The number of DC fast chargers grew by about 15% during the same period.

High Power Chargers (HPC), which make up 10% of the network, saw the most significant growth, expanding by nearly 25%. These chargers are vital for reducing range anxiety by offering ultra-fast charging, especially in high-traffic areas.

Public vs. semi-public charging

Europe’s charging network includes a mix of public and semi-public chargers, each playing a vital role in supporting the growing number of electric vehicles. Public chargers are the most accessible, typically found in urban centers, shopping malls, and along highways, available to anyone at any time. Semi-public chargers, however, are slightly more restricted. These are often located on private properties, such as car parks at large warehouses, convenience stores, underground parking facilities, hotels, and restaurants. While these chargers are available to the public, access is subject to certain conditions—like specific opening and closing hours or other usage requirements.

As of mid-2024, the majority of Europe’s charge points are public (63%), ensuring that EV drivers have broad access to charging facilities across the continent. However, semi-public (37%) chargers play an increasingly important role in supporting EV adoption, particularly in areas where public infrastructure is less dense.

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Dutch Cities lead in Europe

Urban centers remain the focal points of Europe’s EV infrastructure expansion, with Dutch cities leading the charge. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague are at the forefront, showcasing the Netherlands’ commitment to e-Mobility.

Amsterdam, with 13.286 public charge points, is the leading city in Europe with the most public charge points. The city’s extensive network of public chargers supports its goal of reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transport. Following closely is London, with 11.321 charge points, making it the second most equipped city in Europe. Rotterdam and The Hague also feature prominently, with 8.538 and 6.967 charge points respectively, further highlighting the Dutch dominance in EV infrastructure.

Paris, though trailing behind the Dutch cities, has 6.546 charge points, maintaining a strong presence as it rapidly expands its network. Meanwhile, Stockholm and Gothenburg, with 5.773 and 5.067 charge points respectively, represent Sweden’s commitment to building a robust EV infrastructure. Oslo and Antwerp, with 4.205 and 3.983 charge points, round out the list, showcasing the growing EV networks across Europe.

This dominance by Dutch cities underscores the Netherlands’ strategic investments in charging infrastructure, making it a model for other European countries. The concerted efforts of these cities demonstrate how local governments, supported by national policies, can drive the transition to electric mobility, ensuring that both urban centers and surrounding areas are well-equipped to support the increasing number of electric vehicles.

Challenges and the outlook for Europe’s EV infrastructure

While Europe’s progress in expanding its EV charging network is impressive, significant challenges remain. The European Union’s goal of 8,8 million charge points by 2030 requires a continued and accelerated effort in infrastructure development.

Streamlining the regulatory environment is essential to facilitate faster deployment of charging stations. Current regulations can slow down the installation process, hindering the pace of growth needed to meet future demands. Expanding the capacity of the electricity grid is crucial to support the growing number of EVs. This includes investments in smart grid technologies and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) systems, which can help manage the increased load and integrate more renewable energy into the grid.

Ensuring that charging infrastructure is equitably distributed across all regions is vital. While urban centers are well-served, many rural and remote areas remain underserved. Addressing this imbalance will require targeted investments and collaboration between governments and private sector stakeholders.

Conclusion: Celebrating achievements and preparing for the future

Europe’s achievement of surpassing 900.000 charge points is a milestone that reflects the continent’s leadership in the global shift towards electric mobility. The rapid expansion of charging infrastructure, the diversity of charging solutions, and the significant growth in high-power charging stations underscore the progress made in supporting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

However, the journey is far from over. To maintain its leadership in the EV revolution, Europe must continue to invest in its charging infrastructure, ensuring that it can meet future demands and support the ambitious climate goals set by the European Union. The focus now must be on sustaining this momentum, overcoming the challenges that remain, and ensuring that the benefits of electric mobility are accessible to all Europeans.

As Europe’s EV network continues to grow, it will play a crucial role in enabling the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, making cleaner, greener transport a reality for millions of people across the continent. The future of electric mobility in Europe is bright, but it will require sustained effort, innovation, and collaboration across all sectors to fully realise its potential.