The European parlement takes an important step in the implementation of the European Green Deal. This ambitious plan aims to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050. One of the measures that will be taken is to mandate sufficient charging stations for electric vehicles on major roads. 

Fast charger mandatory by 2026

The new legislation says that European member states must install charging stations with fast chargers every 60 kilometres by 2026. These fast chargers must have a charging capacity of at least 400 kW (kilowatts) and as much as 800 kW by 2028. There will also be stations for trucks and buses every 120 kilometres, with a charging capacity of 1400 kW to 2800 kW.

Charging stations along Europe's major roads

This wetgevingis mainly intended to provide enough loading facilities for through traffic such as tourists, business travellers and truck drivers. The obligation only applies to the TEN-T (Trans European Network) network, which contains the main roads for transport in the European Union. Many of these roads are located in Belgium, such as along the E40, E19 and N31.

New vs existing fast chargers

There is a difference between existing and future fast chargers. The new legislation is expected to come into force in early 2024, and fast chargers installed then will have to meet those new requirements immediately. Existing charging posts have until 2027 to meet the newer standards.

This new regulation is an important step in the implementation of the European Green Deal and will stimulate the growth of electric cars by providing sufficient charging infrastructure along major roads. This will help reduce harmful emissions and transition to more sustainable transport.