Europe's shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) is one of the most significant transformations in the history of its automotive industry. With governments, automakers, and consumers rallying behind the transition to zero-emission mobility, EV adoption is increasing. However, the lack of a robust and evenly distributed charging infrastructure poses a substantial challenge to scaling up EV sales, threatening to derail the EU's ambitious climate goals.

The European Commission has set a target to deploy 3.5 million charging points by 2030, but the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) estimates the actual requirement to be 8.8 million to effectively support the projected EV fleet. 

This gap underscores a critical reality: without sufficient charging infrastructure, Europe cannot sustain the growth of EV sales. Consumers who lack access to reliable charging options may hesitate to make the switch, and manufacturers could face stagnating demand despite offering increasingly affordable and capable electric models.

Infrastructure lagging behind sales

The disparity between EV adoption and charging infrastructure development is glaring.

Between 2017 and 2023, EV sales increased by 18 times, while the number of public charging points grew only sixfold. This imbalance not only creates bottlenecks for current EV users but also discourages potential buyers, as concerns about charging availability and accessibility, particularly in rural areas, exacerbate range anxiety.

This is not just a matter of increasing the number of chargers; the type and speed of chargers also matter. Currently, only 13.5% of charging points in the EU are fast chargers capable of delivering more than 22kW. The majority are slower chargers, more suited for overnight charging rather than the rapid refueling needs of urban dwellers or highway travelers.

One of the most pressing challenges for potential EV owners is the fear of 'range anxiety'—the worry that their vehicle will run out of power without access to a charging station. This concern is compounded by the current uneven distribution of chargers, with urban areas seeing higher concentrations than rural ones. Moreover, the existing infrastructure often struggles with the demand during peak times, leading to long waiting times and a frustrated consumer base.

FAIST Industrial is addressing these challenges by producing high-quality enclosures for high-power chargers that are essential for the rapid charging of electric vehicles. Our products ensure that chargers are protected and functional in various environmental conditions, from urban settings to remote locations.

FAIST Industrial’s facilities in Italy and Romania are equipped to handle the demands of large-scale production, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency. This capability allows FAIST to support not only the current infrastructure projects but also future expansions as the market continues to grow.

Disparities across member States

The challenge of infrastructure inadequacy is compounded by significant disparities among EU member states. A mere three countries—Germany, France, and the Netherlands—account for nearly 61% of all public charging points in the EU. These nations have invested heavily in EV infrastructure, aligning with their high levels of EV adoption. In contrast, the remaining 39% of chargers are spread across 24 countries, which together cover 80% of the EU's surface area.

Southern and Eastern European nations, including Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece, lag significantly behind in infrastructure development. In these regions, the ratio of EVs to chargers is alarmingly high, creating severe bottlenecks for existing EV users and deterring new buyers. This lack of equitable access to charging infrastructure risks creating a two-speed transition to electrification within the EU, with some regions advancing rapidly while others are left behind.

The role of policy and investment

To address these disparities, the EU needs a unified approach that incentivizes infrastructure development in underserved areas. Governments must not only allocate public funds but also create regulatory frameworks that encourage private investment in charging networks. The implementation of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) is a critical step in setting minimum standards for infrastructure deployment, but it must be paired with robust monitoring systems to ensure member states meet their targets.

FAIST Industrial is aware of the significant efforts by organizations and companies within the infrastructure sector to advocate for clearer regulations and a reduction in bureaucracy. These collaborative efforts are essential for streamlining the process of charger installation and operation, facilitating faster expansion of the charging network necessary to support Europe’s growing fleet of EVs.

Innovation is equally vital to overcoming the current limitations of EV charging infrastructure. FAIST Industrial is at the cutting edge, involved in R&D efforts focused on silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) technologies that are set to revolutionize power electronics, reducing charging times and enhancing efficiency.

Collaboration across stakeholders

Solving Europe's EV infrastructure challenges will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders. Automakers must collaborate with charge point operators to align vehicle production with infrastructure capabilities. Energy companies must ensure the power grid can handle the increased load from millions of new chargers. Municipalities should plan urban development with EV infrastructure in mind, ensuring chargers are accessible in both densely populated cities and remote rural areas.

Private investors and public funds should also focus on equitable distribution. For example, incentivizing deployment in underrepresented regions through tax breaks, grants, or partnerships can ensure that no member state is left behind in the transition to electrification.

A critical inflection point

Europe stands at a critical inflection point in its journey toward sustainable mobility. The success of its EV market—and by extension, its climate goals—hinges on the availability of a comprehensive, accessible, and reliable charging infrastructure. Without significant progress in this area, the ambitious targets for EV adoption and CO2 reduction cannot be met.

This is not merely a technological or financial challenge; it is a matter of equity and cohesion within the EU. Ensuring all Europeans have access to the infrastructure necessary to support EVs is essential for a fair and successful transition to low-emission mobility. It is a challenge that requires urgency, collaboration, and innovative thinking—because the road to a sustainable future is lined with charging points.