Charging hubs play a crucial role in developing EV infrastructure by ensuring that EVs have access to necessary charging facilities, especially along key transportation networks such as the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Under the European Union’s Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), Member States are required to install fast-charging hubs at regular intervals. By 2025, these hubs must be available every 60 km for passenger cars and vans, and every 120 km for trucks and buses, with increased coverage planned for the future.
These hubs support various charging speeds, including fast and ultra-fast charging, to minimise the downtime for EV users. The infrastructure is designed to handle multiple vehicles simultaneously, ensuring efficient recharging. For instance, charging pools within these hubs must have increasing power outputs over time, reaching up to 3,600 kW by 2030 for the TEN-T core network.
Coordination among stakeholders such as vehicle manufacturers, grid operators, charge point operators, and public authorities is essential for the successful deployment of charging hubs. Implementing smart charging technologies, like Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), enhances the efficiency and reliability of these hubs by enabling bi-directional energy flow, supporting grid stability, and providing additional revenue opportunities for EV owners.