- Europe has reached 1 million public EV charge points, with projections of 2 million by 2029 and 3 million by 2032.
- The Netherlands leads in charge points, followed by France, Germany, and the UK, but utilisation remains low.
- LCP Delta expects faster charging, higher reliability, and market consolidation, with some operators exiting due to competition.
Europe’s EV charging network hits major 1 million installations milestone, but utilisation rates need improvement
Europe has hit 1 million public electric vehicle (EV) charge points. This achievement comes seven years after reaching the 100,000 mark in 2018. According to LCP Delta, the pace of infrastructure growth will only speed up. The industry is expected to double, reaching 2 million charge points by 2029 and 3 million by 2032.
This growth will be fueled by government policies, more EVs on the road, and increased investments from charge point operators (CPOs). A reliable and widespread public charging network is vital to support EV adoption. For example, Milence just recently announced its huge €111 million investment in HGV charging infrastructure.
The Netherlands leads the way with over 175,000 charge points. France follows with 165,000, and Germany, despite having the highest number of fully electric cars, ranks third with 140,000 charge points. The UK, which sold the most electric cars last year, is in fourth place with around 95,000 charge points.
John Murray, Head of EVs at LCP Delta, commented:
“Reaching 1 million public charge points is a defining moment for the EV charging industry and highlights Europe’s leadership in the shift to electric mobility. A reliable, widespread public charging network is essential to support EV adoption, particularly for drivers who do not have the option of charging at home.
“(The achievement) is likely to herald a new era in the public charging industry, characterised by faster charging speeds, greater reliability and higher utilisation rates. But we also anticipate a period of market consolidation with some CPOs likely to exit the market due to increasing competition. The next five years could define the winners for the decades to come.”
However, challenges remain. While the number of charge points grows, utilisation rates have stayed flat in many markets. A big issue is the price gap between home and public charging. In the UK, home charging costs are far cheaper than using public stations, which could discourage adoption.
Despite these hurdles, LCP Delta believes that the future is bright. They expect faster charging, more reliability, and higher utilisation rates in the coming years. Some charge point operators may exit the market, but the next five years will shape the industry’s future.
