European cities are increasingly installing more charging points to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and thus meet their transport decarbonisation targets.
Among the cities with the most charging points are four in the Netherlands (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht), two in Sweden (Stockholm and Gothenburg), one in the United Kingdom (London), one in France (Paris), one in Norway (Oslo), and one in Germany (Stuttgart).
It is no coincidence that these are the places with the most EV charging stations.
The fact is that, in most of these cities, governments have offered incentives for their installation.
Which cities have the most charging points, and how are they progressing? Mobility Portal Europe shares the details.
1. Amsterdam
The capital of the Netherlands has at least 12,197 charging points, according to information from EV Market Reports as of May this year.
It is worth mentioning that in 2023, it counted 11,397; in 2022, 7,792; and in 2021, 6,668.
Since the city aims to turn the ring road area into an emission-free zone by 2030, the installation of EV charging stations will continue to grow.
Additionally, the city is converting its 60 petrol stations into sustainable centres, with the goal of making them emission-free by 2030.
These “mobility hubs” will resemble traditional service stations but will be dedicated to meeting the needs of electric vehicles instead of those running on fossil fuels.
The first of these, called E-lympic, will begin construction in the first quarter of 2025 in the Stadionplein square in Amsterdam Zuid.
Two weeks ago, it was announced that TotalEnergies, Pon, and Benthem Crouwel Architects were awarded the concession for this hub.
“This will be an innovative place where we will discover the future of transport. Think of (ultra) fast charging points, shared electric transport, battery storage, and a ‘living lab’ where we will test new forms of sustainable mobility and energy,” said Sjoerd Moorman, Business Developer & Tender Manager B2G at TotalEnergies.
2. London
The capital of England has 10,781 charging points.
While there is not yet a significant difference compared to the 2023 data – when 10,588 were recorded – it does represent notable growth compared to 2022 – when there were 7,474 – and 2021 – when there were 4,820.
It is worth noting that although these numbers are positive, industry experts believe that this amount is insufficient to meet the demand of EV users.
Additionally, Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV, explained to Mobility Portal Europe that the charging points “are also inconsistent, as London has more than any other place.”
However, it was recently announced that the Scottish Government is providing over seven million pounds to the councils of Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Highland, Moray, and Dundee to encourage greater private investment in the charging network.
“As a direct result of previous investment, Scotland has more public EV charging points per capita than any other part of the UK except London,” stated Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport.
She added, “We currently have more than 5,600 and are on track to have 6,000 by 2026, with increased private sector investment, which will invest between 40 and 55 million pounds in public charging in Scotland alone in 2024.”
Finally, it is no surprise that London is the second European city with the most charging points.
The fact is that the UK Government has launched various programmes to encourage the installation of these stations.
For example, in February this year, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) introduced a new grant to support the installation of charging infrastructure, which provides up to 75 per cent of the cost of purchasing and installing charging points, up to 2,500 pounds per socket, compared to the previous £350.
The grant is part of the Workplace Charging Scheme and is available to state-funded schools, colleges, nurseries, and academies to improve their facilities.
The government is also providing the 381 million pounds Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund to local authorities across the country.
“This government has already spent more than two billion pounds to ensure a smooth transition to EVs, and we are committed to supporting drivers in our transition to net zero in a proportionate way that does not place a burden on workers,” said Anthony Browne, Minister for Technology and Decarbonisation.
3. Rotterdam
This city in the Netherlands has 7,762 charging points, up from 6,619 in 2023, 4,599 in 2022, and just 3,557 in 2021.
Rotterdam stands out, among other things, for driving the electrification of heavy electric transport.
Recently, the Port Authority of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest logistics hub, hosted the “Day of the Port Drayage Carrier” in collaboration with the Smart Freight Centre and A.P. Moller – Maersk.
During the event, authorities shared the latest advancements in truck charging infrastructure at the port and their plans for the future.
Additionally, four original truck equipment manufacturers (DAF Trucks, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo Trucks, and Windrose Technology) showcased their latest developments.
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland – RVO) was also present to inform attendees about subsidies for electric heavy transport and support for charging infrastructure.
Various truck hub developers (Shell, bp, ChargePoint, VARO Energy, Milence, and EUROWAG) also shared information on their recent developments.
It is worth mentioning that in early 2024, the Port, in collaboration with Truckparkings Rotterdam Exploitatie (TRE), inaugurated its first station for heavy vehicles capable of charging up to eight of them simultaneously.
“With this charging station, we are taking another big step forward in making the truck fleet more sustainable and Rotterdam a more livable place,” indicated Vincent Karremans, Councilor for Enforcement, Outdoor Spaces, and Mobility of the Municipality.
Part of the city’s success is due to various incentives provided by the government, such as the “Rotterdam Electric” programs and the program known as “Innovative Projects and Vehicle Fleets.”
4. The Hague
This city in the Netherlands has 6,473 charging points, up from 6,083 in 2023, 4,583 in 2022, and 3,499 in 2021.
However, more are expected to be added in the short term.
The Municipality of The Hague is committed to improving the usability of charging for residents with electric vehicles, while also making optimal use of the electrical grid capacity.
In this regard, the municipality awarded Vattenfall InCharge the management and maintenance of the 5,400 public charging points the city had at that time.
Pieter van Ommeren, director of Vattenfall InCharge, stated, “In the coming years, we will use our expertise to continue developing and optimizing the charging infrastructure, focusing on the congested electrical grid.“
Additionally, part of the agreement included expanding the network by 3,200 points over the next four years.
“The Hague continues to build a comprehensive network of public charging points within close proximity. The transition to sustainable transport is one of the city’s main challenges,” commented Arjen Kapteijns, Councilor for Energy Transition, Mobility, Raw Materials, and the Centrum District.
5. Paris
The French capital has at least 6,282 electric vehicle chargers, just 71 more than in 2023 (6,211).
However, these figures are significantly higher compared to 2022 when there were 4,264 and even more so compared to 2021, when there were only 1,509.
To support the installation of charging stations, the country is advancing the Advenir program, led by Avere-France.
This program complements public initiatives supporting electric mobility.
With a budget of 320 million euros, the objective is to finance 175,000 charging points by 2025 for individuals in collective buildings, condominium managers, businesses, communities, and public entities.
Finally, it is noteworthy that while Paris currently has the most charging stations in France, Milan is expected to take a prominent position in the future.
The municipality has presented a plan highlighting the installation of 4,000 charging points by the end of 2025.
“In two years, Milan will be, along with Paris, Amsterdam, and London, one of the most electrified cities in Europe,” declared Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of the city.
