Euronews Business recently explored the cost of charging electric vehicles (EVs) across Europe, utilizing data from the European Alternative Fuels Observatory (EAFO) to determine which countries offer the cheapest and most expensive public charging rates. Here’s a summary of the findings:
Cheapest Countries to Charge Your EV
Iceland
Cost: €2.89 per 100 km
Iceland emerged as the most affordable country for charging a Tesla Model Y, benefiting from its vast renewable energy resources, particularly in Reykjavik, where EV adoption is notably high.
Portugal
Cost: €3.18 per 100 km
Following Iceland, Portugal ranks second with a competitive charging rate that supports its growing EV market.
Finland
Cost: €4.63 per 100 km
Finland also offers reasonable charging costs, contributing to its favorable EV landscape.
Most Expensive Countries to Charge Your EV
Norway
Cost: €18.93 per 100 km
Norway stands out as the most expensive country to charge an EV, with costs around six times higher than in Iceland. Despite its commitment to EVs, high prices are largely due to taxes and fees.
Slovenia
Cost: €17.02 per 100 km
Slovenia follows closely behind Norway, reflecting similar pricing pressures.
Regional Price Comparisons
In southern Europe, Spain is the cheapest at €7.11, followed by Bulgaria (€7.34), Italy (€9.12), Greece (€9.83), Malta (€9.83), and Cyprus (€9.83).
Northern and Central European countries, such as Germany and France, had charging rates around €7 to €10. Specifically:
Germany: €9.99
France: €7.26
Austria: €7.88
Denmark: €8.81
UK: €7.79
Factors Influencing Charging Costs
Energy economists attribute the significant variations in charging prices to several factors, including:
Source of Electricity: Countries rich in renewable resources often have lower costs due to reduced dependency on imported fossil fuels.
Taxes and Government Policies: Higher taxes and fees can lead to increased charging costs, evident in countries like Denmark and Germany.
Increasing Infrastructure for EV Charging
The Netherlands leads Europe with over 154,000 public EV charging points, showcasing its commitment to electric mobility. Other notable countries include:
Germany: 130,828 charging points
France: 127,530 charging points
Despite a growing network, Germany experienced a 16.4% decrease in battery EV sales in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year, indicating potential fluctuations in market dynamics despite its extensive infrastructure.
Conclusion
As Europe moves toward greater EV adoption, understanding the costs associated with public charging is crucial for consumers and policymakers alike. The disparities in charging rates reflect broader energy policies and market conditions, highlighting the importance of investments in renewable energy and infrastructure to promote sustainable transportation.
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