Charging Capacity Exceeds Target by 180%, Malta Lags Behind
The European Union’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure has advanced far beyond expectations. According to a July analysis by Transport & Environment (T&E), as of the end of March 2026, only Malta among the EU’s 27 member states had failed to meet the charging capacity targets set by the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). The remaining 26 countries collectively achieved the legal standard of 1.3 kilowatts of charging capacity per battery electric vehicle, exceeding the target by 180%.
Lucien Mathieu, T&E’s Cars Director, stated that the rapid expansion of charging infrastructure has effectively driven growth in the electric vehicle market. He noted that the total number of public chargers in the EU grew from 220,000 in 2020 to 1.1 million by the end of 2025, a fivefold increase over five years. This growth rate has far outpaced the increase in electric vehicle sales, ensuring that the charging network can meet future demand.
Mathieu emphasized that the establishment of charging targets has played a crucial role, nearly eliminating “range anxiety” for electric vehicle drivers across the EU. However, he also pointed out that charging convenience and price transparency remain major barriers to wider EV adoption, particularly for apartment residents who cannot install private chargers. The user experience of public charging networks still requires significant improvement.
Fast-Charging Station Coverage Reaches 79%, Eastern EU and Spain Show Fastest Growth
The AFIR regulation requires that a DC fast-charging station with a capacity of at least 150 kilowatts be installed every 60 kilometers along the EU’s core transport network (TEN-T Core) by the end of 2025. T&E’s analysis found that, as of June 2026, 79% of the core network had met this target. The remaining gaps are primarily concentrated in Eastern EU countries and Spain. However, these regions are rapidly expanding their ultra-fast charging networks, demonstrating a latecomer advantage.
Regarding the comprehensive transport network (TEN-T Comprehensive), which covers regional trunk roads, 20 member states had already met the 2027 target 18 months ahead of schedule. T&E recommended that installing 70 additional charging stations in Spain, Poland, and Romania could increase core network coverage to 90%. Specifically, Spain would require 22 new stations, Poland 11, and Romania 7. These stations would prioritize filling existing gaps, though specific locations have yet to be determined.
Despite significant progress in charging infrastructure, Mathieu noted that issues such as non-transparent charging prices and complex operational processes persist. Currently, EU countries vary widely in the transparency of charging price information and the convenience of payment methods. Further simplification of processes and enhancement of user experience are needed to truly eliminate the final barriers to electric vehicle adoption.
