Charging an electric vehicle (EV) at public stations in Estonia can be significantly more expensive than in many other European countries, with costs that can be several times higher, depending on the car model and battery capacity.
According to data from the European Commission, charging a Nissan Leaf to drive 100 kilometers costs approximately €11 in Estonia. In comparison, Germany charges around €10, France about €8, and Finland roughly €5. Notably, only Norway and Slovenia have higher prices than Estonia for charging services.
The costs are determined by companies that manage the charging infrastructure. Enefit Volt, which operates the largest public network in Estonia, has 221 charging stations across the country.
Viljar Kont, the head of e-mobility at Enefit for the Estonian market, explained that several factors contribute to these high prices. One key factor is Estonia’s overall electricity price, which is higher than that in Scandinavia. Additionally, market size and investment costs—such as connecting to the power grid, installation, and maintenance—play a significant role in setting the prices at public charging stations, often leading to costs that exceed the market average.
“We still have fewer electric cars compared to larger markets. With a smaller consumer base, the return on investment takes longer,” Kont noted. He added that the type of charging service offered, including 24/7 customer support, also factors into the overall pricing.
In terms of alignment with Estonia’s green initiatives, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Climate stated that both the Estonian government and the European Union provide support to companies establishing charging infrastructure, which aids operators in keeping prices as low as possible. The government also offers subsidies for purchasing zero-emission vehicles.
Kont emphasized that the final cost at a charging station can vary based on the car model and battery capacity. “For our calculations, we assume a vehicle consumes 20 kWh per 100 km. With the current fast charger rate at €0.32 per kWh, including VAT, the cost amounts to about €6 per 100 km,” he explained.
The ministry pointed out that most electric vehicles are owned by private citizens, who typically charge their cars at home for a lower cost. To enhance accessibility, plans are underway to develop charging infrastructure in residential areas, expected to launch in 2025.
The price of charging is also closely tied to electricity costs, with the state encouraging the development of renewable energy sources. By 2030, Estonia aims to generate 100% of its total annual energy consumption from renewable sources.
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