The European Parliament has drafted new rules that mandate the installation of charging and refueling stations at regular intervals across the continent, aiming to make clean transportation more accessible and convenient for all.
Under the new regulations, charging stations for trucks and buses must be made available every 120 kilometers throughout the European territory.
The rules also include provisions for electric charging pools for cars with a minimum output of 400 kW. These charging pools will be required to be deployed along the core Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) routes every 60 kilometers by 2026. By 2028, the power output of these charging pools will be increased to 600 kW, ensuring faster charging times and greater convenience for EV owners.
To support this charging infrastructure expansion, half of the main EU roads are expected to be equipped with charging stations for trucks and buses by 2028. These stations will have a power output ranging from 1,400 kW to 2,800 kW, depending on the specific road. Such a comprehensive network of charging stations will address one of the key concerns of EV adoption – range anxiety – by providing ample opportunities for vehicles to recharge during long-distance journeys.
In addition to EV charging stations, the European Parliament has also emphasised the importance of hydrogen refueling stations. EU countries will be required to deploy hydrogen refueling infrastructure along the core TEN-T network at intervals of no more than 200 kilometers by 2031.
To encourage the use of alternative fuel vehicles, the new rules also mandate that users should be able to pay easily at recharging points, without the need for a subscription or complicated payment processes. Payment options such as payment cards or contactless devices will be accepted to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience. Furthermore, the price of electricity or hydrogen will be displayed clearly, allowing consumers to compare costs and make informed decisions.
