The European Parliament and EU states have reached a compromise to increase the number of charging stations for electric cars and hydrogen refueling facilities. According to the compromise, charging stations for electric cars should be available at least every 60 kilometers along the most important traffic routes in the EU, while hydrogen refueling facilities should be created every 200 kilometers. The expansion targets apply initially to the TEN-T core network, which is the most important main thoroughfares in the EU.
The EU Commission proposed the new rules as part of its “Fit for 55” climate package aimed at reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The expansion is necessary as the number of electric cars has increased significantly since 2016, but the number of charging stations has not kept pace with demand.
Ismail Ertug, the SPD MP responsible for the negotiations in the European Parliament, emphasized that the compromise sets ambitious goals for the electric and hydrogen charging infrastructure.
Sweden’s Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson welcomed the new rules, stating that citizens no longer have to worry about finding charging points for their electric cars. Parliament and EU states still need to confirm the compromise.
The new rules would provide motorists with a charging station at least every 60 kilometers along the most important traffic routes in the EU, making it easier for electric vehicle owners to travel long distances without worrying about running out of power.
The compromise also includes provisions for hydrogen refueling facilities to be created every 200 kilometers, which is a significant development for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The expansion of the hydrogen refueling network would make it easier for motorists to travel longer distances in hydrogen-powered vehicles without worrying about running out of fuel.
The new rules are based on a proposal by the EU Commission, which presented the plans in the summer of 2021. The EU states and Parliament still need to confirm the compromise, but the ambitious goals set by the compromise would be a significant step forward in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the use of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles in the EU.