The EV charging stations must be placed every 60km (37mi) and allow ad-hoc payment by card or contactless device without subscriptions.
One of the biggest issues with electric vehicles (EVs) is range anxiety, which refers to the fear that the battery will run out before reaching the destination and there’s no place to charge. A new regulation passed by the European Union (EU) aims to tackle this fear by drastically expanding the availability of fast charging stations.
According to the recent mandate, every 60 kilometers (37 miles) on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) highways must have fast EV charging stations by the end of 2025. I
This initiative by the EU is a significant milestone and a huge leap towards a sustainable future. The aim is to reduce emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles and promote emissions-free electric vehicles. According to statistics, the transportation sector is responsible for around 28% of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions.
By installing these fast EV charging stations, the EU can make a significant contribution to reducing emissions and meeting its goal of being climate-neutral by 2050.
Another noteworthy feature of the new regulation is the payment system. EU requires the fast charging stations to allow ad-hoc payment by card or contactless device without the need for a subscription.
This means that drivers can charge spontaneously, without planning ahead, and without having to sign up with multiple charging networks. This system makes EV charging more comfortable and straightforward for consumers.
The new law will allay the fears of many people that have been reluctant to drive an EV because of range anxiety. Before the regulation, drivers often faced long-distance trips where there were no charging stations, and they had to plan their route accordingly.
The EU’s mandate will alleviate this anxiety by ensuring that when traveling on the TEN-T highway routes, drivers will always have fast charging stations at a maximum distance of 60 kilometers. The implementation of these charging stations will also encourage more people to consider EVs as a viable option for traveling.
When it comes to the practicalities of fast charging for EVs, the regulation requires a minimum power level of 150 kW for the charging stations. This means that the charging stations can charge 80% of the battery in about 30 minutes. With this kind of charging speed, drivers can take a short break and recharge their EV while enjoying a simple meal or a refreshment.
The European Union has taken an important step forward in the fight against climate change by mandating the installation of EV charging stations at every 60km along the TEN-T highway routes. This new law is a game-changer for EV adoption and will help to reduce emissions from the transportation sector. The fact that the charging stations will support ad-hoc payments makes it more convenient and easier for consumers. This regulation will also help to alleviate the range anxiety that has been a significant barrier to the adoption of EVs. We can only hope that other countries and regions follow the EU’s lead, and work towards a sustainable future for all.
