Europe has achieved a remarkable milestone in its transition to sustainable transportation by surpassing 900.000 public electric vehicle (EV) charge points, according to data from EV Markets Reports.
The rapid expansion of Europe’s charging infrastructure is not only a response to the rising demand for electric cars but also a critical factor in driving the widespread adoption of clean transportation.
From 2021 to 2024, Europe’s EV charging network has experienced an average Year-over-Year (YoY) growth rate of approximately 55,4%.
However, despite this rapid growth, Europe is still some distance from meeting the ambitious targets set by the European Union.
According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), Europe will need up to 8,8 million charge points by 2030 to support the expected surge in EV adoption.
With over 900.000 charge points in place as of mid-2024, there is still a significant gap to close.
Distribution of Public Charge Points across European countries
The distribution of charge points across Europe is heavily concentrated in a few key countries.
The Netherlands, Germany, and France together account for nearly half of all charge points in Europe.
This concentration reflects both the market maturity and the strategic investments made by these nations.
The Netherlands has 169.216 public charge points, representing 19,5% of Europe’s total network. The country’s strong commitment to EV adoption, supported by government incentives and a robust infrastructure, makes it a model for other nations.
Germany follows closely with 152.332, while France has 119.481.
Together, these countries are pivotal in Europe’s EV landscape, providing extensive coverage across urban and rural areas.
Despite the strong presence of charge points in these leading countries, the distribution remains uneven.
The top five countries—Netherlands, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Belgium—house the majority of Europe’s EV infrastructure, leaving other regions with less comprehensive coverage.
Growth of individual countries
While the overall growth across Europe has been significant, individual countries have seen varying rates of expansion.
Belgium and Finland have shown particularly strong growth rates, with Belgium experiencing a growth of 190% and Finland 158% between January 2023 and July 2024.
These figures highlight the aggressive push toward electrification in these countries, even though they still represent a smaller proportion of the total network.
Greece has seen an astonishing 480% increase in charge points from 2023 to 2024.
However, despite this impressive growth, Greece accounts for only about 1% of the total charge points in Europe, reflecting its still relatively small share in the overall network.
Growth and distribution of AC, DC, and HPC chargers
Between July 2023 and July 2024, all types of chargers—AC, DC, and HPC—have seen notable growth.
AC chargers, representing about 84% of the network, are critical for routine, slower charging. From July 2023 to July 2024, AC chargers increased by approximately 10%.
DC fast chargers, comprising 7% of the network, are essential for long-distance travel. The number of DC devices grew by about 15% during the same period.
High Power Chargers (HPC), which make up 10% of the network, saw the most significant growth, expanding by nearly 25%. These chargers are vital for reducing range anxiety.
As of mid-2024, the majority of Europe’s charge points are public (63%), ensuring that EV drivers have broad access to charging facilities across the continent.
However, semi-public (37%) chargers play an increasingly important role in supporting EV adoption, particularly in areas where public infrastructure is less dense.
Dutch Cities lead in Europe
Urban centers remain the focal points of Europe’s EV infrastructure expansion, with Dutch cities leading the charge.
Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague are at the forefront, showcasing the Netherlands’ commitment to e-Mobility.
Amsterdam, with 13.286 public charge points, is the leading city in Europe with the most public charge points.
Following closely is London, with 11.321 charge points, making it the second most equipped city in Europe.
Rotterdam and The Hague also feature prominently, with 8.538 and 6.967 charge points respectively, further highlighting the Dutch dominance in EV infrastructure.
Paris, though trailing behind the Dutch cities, has 6.546 charge points, maintaining a strong presence as it rapidly expands its network.
Meanwhile, Stockholm and Gothenburg, with 5.773 and 5.067 charge points respectively, represent Sweden’s commitment to building a robust EV infrastructure.
Oslo and Antwerp, with 4.205 and 3.983 charge points, round out the list, showcasing the growing EV networks across Europe.
