Trans-European highways will have chargers for electric cars every 60 kilometers from 2026

2023-07-11 17:06:09

The roads that are part of the trans-European transport network must have at least one electric charging station every 60 kilometers for vehicles with alternative fuels from 2026.

This will be possible after the plenary session of the European Parliament has approved this Tuesday new rules on alternative fuel infrastructures with 514 votes in favor, 52 against and 74 abstentions. All that remains is for the European Council to give its final approval. Then, the rules will enter into force six months after their publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

The initiative is part of the legislative package known as ‘Fit for 55’, presented by the European Commission in July 2021 for the EU to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55%. by 2030 with respect to 1990 levels and reach climate neutrality in 2050, that is, by then the emissions that are expelled into the atmosphere are offset by those that absorb natural sinks such as forests or oceans.

The MEPs supported this Tuesday that in 2026 there will be an electric charging group for cars with a minimum power of 400 kW at least every 60 kilometers of the main routes of the trans-European transport network. That grid power will increase to 600 kW by 2028.

In addition, every 120 kilometers there will be a charging station for trucks and buses, but these stations must be installed on half of the main roads in the EU by 2028 and with a power output of 1,400 to 2,800 kW, depending on the road.

EU countries must ensure that hydrogen refueling stations along the trans-European transport network are deployed at least cada 200 kilometers by 2031.

Users of alternative fuel vehicles must to be able to pay easily at charging points (with payment cards or contactless devices and without the need to have a subscription), while the price of these ‘fuels’ will have to be displayed per kWh, kilo or per minute/session.

The European Commission will establish an EU ‘database’ on alternative fuels information by 2027 that provides consumers with information on availability, waiting times or price at different stations.

By ensuring a minimum of charging and refueling infrastructure throughout the EU, the new community regulation will put an end to consumer concern about the difficulty of recharging or refueling a vehicle.