The EU’s electric revolution: EV charging stations every 60 km on motorways by 2026

The European Union has made a landmark decision: from 2035 onwards, no new petrol and diesel cars will be sold within its borders. The main goal is mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and this commitment to environmental sustainability is once again backed by the latest directive aimed at massively improving the electric vehicle charging infrastructure. As the countdown to the 2035 ban begins, this legislation is not only timely but essential for a smooth transition.

Ambitious CO2 reduction targets

Transportation has long been a significant contributor to Europe's carbon footprint. The European Environment Agency highlights that it accounts for nearly two-thirds of the EU's oil consumption and approximately 30% of its total greenhouse gas emissions. The new regulation aims to drastically cut down on CO2 emissions and sets ambitious targets of reducing them by 55% for new cars and 50% for new vans by 2030 compared to 2021 levels. The new law also fits into the EU's broader strategy, integrating cleaner transport modes, promoting the 'Fit for 55' policy, and ensuring the expansion of the public charger infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Expanding the EV charging infrastructure

Historically, one of the main concerns of potential EV buyers has been range anxiety — the fear that their vehicle's battery would run out of charge without a nearby station to recharge. The European Parliament's latest decision ensures that by 2026, drivers will have extensive access to public charging stations throughout Europe:

• By 2026, electric vehicles should be able to find a charging station every 60 km along the main EU routes (TEN-T).
• Charging stations should offer 400 kW power output by 2026, increasing to 600 kW by 2028.
• For trucks and buses, charging stations must be placed every 120 km.
• By 2028, these stations for trucks and buses should cover half of the main EU roads and offer a power output between 1,400 kW and 2,800 kW, depending on the road.
• By 2031, member states must ensure hydrogen filling stations are available at least every 200 km along the main routes.

What’s even more notable is the focus on Central and Eastern Europe, regions that might have lagged in EV adoption. This move promises a balanced and widespread charging infrastructure, ensuring no European region is left behind.

Economic implications of the EV transition

The move away from fossil fuels is not just an environmental decision; it's an economic one as well. With Europe speeding up its transition to electric vehicles, there's a clear shift in the economic dynamics of the automotive sector. Traditional car manufacturers who currently rely on petrol and diesel engines must re-imagine their production lines and strategies. At the same time, new players in the EV market have the chance to establish themselves as leaders. Furthermore, with the rising demand for EVs, there's potential for job creation in areas such as electric vehicle production, charger manufacturing, and infrastructure development. Europe is facing a significant economic transformation, with the potential to emerge as a global player in the EV industry.

The consumer perspective: opportunities and concerns

The accelerated shift towards EVs presents both exciting possibilities and potential concerns for most drivers.

1. On one hand, electric vehicles offer long-term cost savings. Although the initial purchase cost can be higher, the reduced fueling and maintenance expenses combined with potential government grants and incentives make EVs an economically attractive option.
2. EVs are also a sound choice for environmentally conscious drivers - you can read about the numerous aspects of how EVs are revolutionizing sustainability in one of our previous blog posts.
3. However, potential concerns about vehicle range, access to charging infrastructure, and the available vehicle models remain. These are the main challenges ahead of the 2035 ban, but the EU's latest decision on charger infrastructure is a reassuring step, which shows that consumer needs are taken seriously.

Technological innovations in EV battery and charging

The increased focus on electric vehicles is basically calling for technological innovation, especially in the case of batteries and charging mechanisms. We can expect batteries that charge faster, last longer, and use less energy. Better charging infrastructure won't just mean more charging stations; it will also make charging faster and more convenient. Also, as the competition gets tougher, car manufacturers will try to make cars with better performance, features, and safety that are powered by the latest technology.

And software innovations play an equally important role. Advanced vehicle software systems are essential in optimizing battery performance, enhancing vehicle diagnostics, and facilitating real-time communication between vehicles and charging infrastructures. Moreover, with the rise of interconnected devices, car manufacturers are investing in new software solutions that offer drivers intuitive user interfaces, personalized driving experiences, and enhanced security against cyber threats.

Fleet management challenges: meeting the needs of electric fleets

But what does this mean for businesses, especially those that are managing fleets? Fears about range anxiety and battery life have started to go away as electric vehicle technology is rapidly advancing. Yet, the challenges surrounding efficient fleet management, charging infrastructure optimization, and ensuring a seamless transition to EVs remain.

That’s where Volteum steps in. Volteum offers an all-in-one solution, streamlining electric vehicle fleet management. From eliminating the risk of running out of charge to easing range anxiety for drivers, our platform ensures optimal electric fleet operations. Our mission aligns seamlessly with the European Union’s goals, working towards a future where electric vehicles are operated just as efficiently as traditional ones, without the environmental cost.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the European Parliament’s latest decision might seem bold to some, but it’s a clear indication for the future of transportation. Companies, governments, and consumers are becoming more and more conscious of the need for sustainable solutions, and electric vehicles are at the forefront of this movement. Businesses that are agile, forward-thinking, and ready to join this electric revolution will not only benefit from a reduced carbon footprint but also tap into an evolving and expansive market. As we move closer to the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, the expanding charging infrastructure is becoming a reality across Europe, and the road ahead for electric vehicles looks promising.

Volteum is here to provide the world’s leading software solutions for fleet electrification and electric fleet optimization - talk to our experts and and start your free trial now! ➡️ https://bit.ly/volteumdemo

Sources: 1, 2, 3