For Europe, the story is mixed. The region remains a leader in EV adoption, but infrastructure growth isn’t keeping pace, leaving many markets struggling to meet the needs of EV owners. At the same time, fast DC charging is on the rise, offering some hope that the gap between EVs and available charging points may eventually close.
Slower sales and growing infrastructure gaps in Europe
After years of rapid growth, several key European markets are facing headwinds. Germany, ranked second in the index, saw a noticeable decline in EV sales in 2023. A reduction in government subsidies, combined with high energy costs and inflation, has contributed to this slowdown. Even though Germany boasts one of the most extensive public charging networks in Europe, it still isn’t enough to keep up with the increasing number of EVs on the road.
Similarly, the Netherlands, long considered a pioneer in EV adoption, is now facing its own challenges. EV sales remain high, but the country’s charging infrastructure, particularly its fast-charging network, is falling behind. The lack of fast DC chargers has become a major issue, causing the Netherlands to slip in the rankings.
While these mature markets are struggling to maintain momentum, infrastructure development in Europe as a whole isn’t matching the pace of vehicle sales. This mismatch is creating a bottleneck for further growth, as EV owners become increasingly frustrated with the lack of sufficient charging points.
A tale of two Europes: West vs. east
A key trend in the 2024 Index is the growing divide between Western and Eastern Europe when it comes to EV adoption and charging infrastructure. Western Europe has been at the forefront of the EV revolution, but several countries are now facing a slowdown in both sales and infrastructure development. France, for example, has managed to maintain steady EV sales and improve its charging network, moving up to fourth place in the index. Yet, even in France, the pace of infrastructure growth will need to accelerate to meet future demand.
Meanwhile, Eastern European countries are starting to show signs of catching up. Hungary and Romania stand out for their progress in both EV sales and public charging network expansion. Hungary, in particular, has set ambitious goals for its charging infrastructure, though it still has a long way to go to meet the rising demand. Romania saw one of the biggest improvements in the index, with customer satisfaction around public charging also increasing significantly.
Despite these advances, fast charging is still a major challenge across much of Eastern Europe. Public fast-charging networks, which are crucial for long-distance travel and for drivers without home charging options, are sparse, and this will need to change if the region is to fully embrace electric mobility.
The rise of fast DC charging
One of the few bright spots in Europe’s EV infrastructure is the rise of fast DC charging. Across the continent, more public chargers are transitioning to high-speed options, reflecting the growing demand for faster, more convenient charging experiences. As EV adoption continues to spread beyond city centers, the availability of fast chargers becomes even more important for long-distance travel and for EV owners without access to home charging.
Austria and Spain have been particularly proactive in expanding their fast-charging networks. In Austria, EV sales are growing quickly, but the country faces a shortage of fast DC chargers, which could hinder future progress. Spain, on the other hand, has seen rapid growth in public charging infrastructure, though the availability of fast chargers still lags behind demand.
Overall, the expansion of fast-charging options is a promising development, but it will take time for the rest of the infrastructure to catch up with the rapid growth in EV sales across Europe.
OEMs and new market dynamics
Another key trend in the 2024 Roland Berger Index is the increasing role of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the EV charging market. While their involvement remains limited in some areas, many automakers are starting to enter the charging space to help boost vehicle sales. In Europe, OEMs are partnering with utility companies, retailers, and other stakeholders to build branded charging networks that can enhance the overall EV experience.
This growing involvement is particularly notable in Southern Europe, where countries like Italy and Spain are seeing OEMs take a more active role in infrastructure development. These partnerships could help fill some of the gaps in public charging networks, especially in regions where government support has been less consistent.
In addition to OEM involvement, Europe’s charging market is becoming more dynamic, with new players from adjacent industries, such as utilities and supermarket chains, entering the field. This increased competition is driving innovation and helping to expand charging infrastructure, though it will take time before the full impact of these developments is felt across the continent.
The road ahead for Europe
Despite its challenges, Europe remains one of the world’s leading regions for EV adoption and charging infrastructure. However, the latest Roland Berger Index makes it clear that much work remains to be done. The gap between EV sales and charging points continues to grow, particularly in the fast-charging segment, and this could slow future progress if not addressed.
To close this gap, Europe will need to ramp up investment in its charging infrastructure, particularly in fast DC chargers that can meet the needs of today’s EV drivers. Policymakers will also need to continue shifting their focus from vehicle subsidies to infrastructure development, ensuring that the growth in charging points keeps pace with the increasing number of EVs on the road.
If Europe can overcome these challenges, it remains well-positioned to lead the global transition to electric mobility. But without sustained investment and innovation, the region risks falling behind as other markets, particularly in Asia, continue to accelerate their progress.
Conclusion
The 2024 Roland Berger EV Charging Index paints a mixed picture for Europe’s EV sector. While the region continues to make strides in EV adoption, infrastructure development is not keeping up. Fast DC charging is growing, but the number of chargers still falls short of what’s needed. If Europe can address these issues through continued investment and innovation, it has the potential to remain a global leader in electric mobility. But for now, the road ahead looks challenging.
