The Challenge of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Europe
The rapid expansion of the electric car market in Europe faces a major problem: the lack of charging stations. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) reports a deficit of 3.5 million charging points on the continent, a gap that could hinder the progress of electric mobility.
The French situation: a growing market despite obstacles
In France, electric vehicles already account for 17% of the market, reflecting a certain interest in this technology. However, concerns related to the cost and autonomy of electric models are barriers for many consumers. Despite this, manufacturers are striving to develop more efficient batteries, capable of competing with the distances covered by traditional fuels.
A charging network far from sufficient
Alongside battery improvements, the focus is on fast charging through increasingly powerful charging stations. The emergence of ultra-fast connectors, such as those offered by certain brands with powers reaching 360 kW, or even 640 kW for connectors recently unveiled in China, is noted. Despite the increase in the number of stations, France has more than 100,000 charging points, which remains insufficient given the rapid expansion of the electric vehicle fleet.
Forecasts for 2030: a necessary acceleration
The ACEA highlights the disparity between the pace of charging point installations and the rise in electric vehicle sales. According to their projections, the continent must install 8 million charging points by 2030 to meet demand, which is about 1.2 million new points each year. This growth represents a major challenge for industry stakeholders and requires swift and decisive intervention by the public authorities to support the transition to decarbonized transport.
An unsustained increase in sales
Electric car sales have exploded, with figures multiplied by 18 in two decades. However, the charging infrastructure has not kept up at the same pace, increasing only sixfold during the same period. In France, although the number of charging points increased by 36% in one year, the uneven distribution across the territory and autonomy issues remain challenges to be addressed. Fortunately, there are encouraging signs, such as the gradual reduction in charging costs despite the general increase in the price of electricity.
