Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure along Highways in the EU

Abstract

One aspect of the competitiveness of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles is the ability to recharge batteries quickly. Ideally, this process would take no longer than it takes to refuel vehicles powered by conventional fuels. The term fast charging is generally used to refer to alternating current (AC) charging of more than 22 kW and direct current (DC) charging often referred to as fast or ultra-fast charging at high power. Currently, fast charging points are located within the public charging infrastructure, mainly along highways. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the availability of existing charging infrastructure equipped with fast charging points for electric vehicles in European Union countries. In addition, the paper discusses EU policy in terms of zero-emission vehicles and technical issues related to charging infrastructure. Based on a review of the current state of charging infrastructure and plans for its development in light of the EU Green Deal for Europe regulations, it can be concluded that in many regions the fast charging infrastructure for electric cars is still insufficiently developed. Due to the great economic diversity of EU countries, the development of charging infrastructure proceeds at different paces. For this reason, it is important to ensure that fast charging points are located primarily along the TEN-T network and highways.