The Fit for 55 package, a key legislative initiative from the EU aimed at aligning its laws with ambitious climate goals, includes the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). This regulation places electric mobility at the heart of the alternative fuels strategy. According to AFIR, each EU country must ensure a certain amount of charging infrastructure per registered electric vehicle. However, these proposed minimum charger-to-vehicle ratios may not be enough to meet the EU’s broader vision of using electric mobility as a driver for the energy transition.
While we support the direction of this package, we believe that a “one-size-fits-all†approach could hinder a balanced rollout of electric mobility across Europe. In this article, we’ll explore why this approach might not be effective and suggest an alternative path forward.
Electric mobility is seen as a crucial element in the EU's plan to cut carbon emissions by 55% by 2030. The Fit for 55 package outlines a roadmap toward full carbon neutrality by 2050. Among its many components, the electrification of transport stands out as a vital tool for reducing emissions. The EU believes that investing in EV charging infrastructure can act as a catalyst for transforming both energy and transport systems. As one EU report states, “The deployment of charging infrastructure in line with electric vehicle uptake is a key enabler of the switch to alternative fuels and to a largely zero-emission vehicle fleet by 2050.â€
Beyond environmental benefits, electric mobility also creates green jobs, boosts digital infrastructure, and helps reduce air pollution in cities. Prioritizing EV adoption and infrastructure is not only smart policy but also lays the foundation for further decarbonization. However, to truly become a catalyst for change, electric mobility must be attractive to all drivers across Europe. In some countries, the current level of EV uptake is still far below what is needed to meet transport decarbonization targets.
The relationship between EV uptake and charging infrastructure is closely linked. The EU aims to make EV charging as convenient as filling up a conventional car tank. But today, the uneven distribution of charging points makes travel across Europe challenging. This "chicken-or-egg" problem highlights the need for a coordinated approach: without sufficient infrastructure, EV adoption will remain limited, and without increased adoption, investment in infrastructure will be uncertain.
The AFIR sets out requirements for member states to develop a pan-European charging network. It proposes a minimum charger-to-vehicle ratio, meaning that each country must provide a certain amount of charging capacity per EV registered within its borders. However, these targets are currently insufficient to meet the EU’s goal of making EV charging as easy as refueling a traditional vehicle.
There are two main reasons why the AFIR targets fall short. First, in countries with fewer EVs on the road, the targets won’t significantly boost the availability of charging infrastructure. Since the legislation bases the number of charging stations on current fleet numbers, countries with small EV populations will only need to install a few points. Second, in countries leading the EV revolution, the targets have already been met, offering no additional incentive for growth. This means that no changes will be required for years, as the market is already meeting the needs of drivers.
These shortcomings mean the EU is missing a chance to significantly expand charging infrastructure across the continent. The impact of insufficient targets is felt not just in the long term but also today. Many potential EV drivers suffer from range anxiety—the fear that their battery will die mid-trip. According to our research, range anxiety is the top barrier to EV adoption in Europe.
The solution is to provide more charging infrastructure in underserved areas. To do this, the EU should move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and create tailored, capacity-based targets for countries with slower EV uptake. At the same time, it should allow market freedom in countries where the industry is already thriving.
One alternative suggested by Charge Up Europe is to set higher targets for countries with smaller fleets. This would help ease range anxiety and accelerate electrification. These targets should then be gradually lowered as EV penetration increases. Once EVs make up 7.5% of a country’s vehicle fleet—considered the EV tipping point—targets should be reduced, as they will no longer be necessary to stimulate growth.
In addition, these targets should encourage countries to develop long-term infrastructure plans that attract private investment. This will help build a strong industry capable of meeting future EV demand. With increased targets in underserved markets and the right policy support, the EU can foster organic infrastructure development in a competitive market environment.
In conclusion, the Fit for 55 package and the AFIR are strong starting points for making electric mobility mainstream across Europe. However, to accelerate the shift in all Member States and lay the groundwork for a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030, the EU must move away from a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it should implement tailored, capacity-based targets that boost electrification where needed while allowing market freedom in growing sectors.
Doing so will address the main barrier to EV adoption, stimulate infrastructure development, and attract private investment into the sector.
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