Europe’s ambitious target for electric vehicle charging infrastructure is significantly off track, with a major supermarket chain now operating more public charging points than several European nations.
Lidl, the German-based retailer, currently boasts 8,885 charging points across its European network. This figure surpasses the total public charging infrastructure available in entire countries such as Lithuania, Ireland, and Slovenia.
This unexpected leadership by a private sector entity highlights the slow pace of governmental efforts to build a robust charging network. Experts note that retailers are emerging as crucial players in bridging the infrastructure gap.
The European Union aims for 3.5 million public charging points by 2030 to support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. However, a recent investigation by Motointegrator and DataPulse Research indicates that only about 910,000 points currently exist.
This means the EU has achieved just 26% of its target, with only five years remaining until the deadline. The 2030 goal was set in 2021 as part of the EU’s “Fit for 55” package and a sustainable mobility strategy.
At the current rate of approximately 150,000 new installations per year, the continent is projected to reach only 1.7 million charging points by 2030. To meet the 3.5 million goal, approximately 520,000 new stations would need to be installed annually, according to analysis from ForoCochesElectricos.
Beyond the sheer number of charging points, concerns also exist about their distribution and type. Some regions, including northern Scandinavia, parts of central Germany, and inland France, report distances exceeding 40 kilometers between charging stations.
Additionally, fast charging stations, critical for longer journeys, remain scarce. They account for less than 10% of the total public charging infrastructure.
This disparity between planning and reality underscores an urgent need for more decisive measures to facilitate the transition to electric mobility.