EVs surge in Europe – worsening the charging shortage

EVs are more affordable and more popular than ever, according to LeasePlan’s 2022 EV Readiness Index. But the report, published today, also shows the flipside of that trend: infrastructure is lagging behind, creating a charging shortage – and a potential roadblock for further electrification. 

LeasePlan’s annual EV Readiness Index analyses the preparedness of various European markets for the EV revolution. 

The latest Index probes 22 countries, using as three main factors as its yardstick: EV registrations, the maturity of EV infrastructure, and the effectiveness of pro-EV incentives across the various countries. 

Key findings of the 2022 index, in terms of rankings:

• The top three remained unchanged from last year: Norway (42 points out of 50), the Netherlands (37) and the UK (35). 
• The most mature markets (Norway and Netherlands) show a small increase in government taxation, which could hurt their scores in coming years.
• Austria increased significantly (up from 29 in 2021) to share third place, thanks largely to improvements in the charging network, and to higher EV registrations. 
•  Sweden (+5 points) and Belgium (+4 points) have both increased their score significantly, thanks to an improved charging infrastructure and more favourable government incentives for EVs.
• Greece has the most improved score (16 in 2021 to 23 in 2022), driven by an increasing market share for EVs.
• The Czech Republic improved one point and Poland dropped two. Both are now ranked lowest (both 13).

And in terms of trends: 

• EV uptake has increased significantly in almost all markets. This reflects the increasing popularity of EVs across European countries as more models become available in every segment
• The charging infrastructure is still lagging, creating a charging shortage as EV registrations rapidly increase. This highlights the urgent need for governments to invest in a robust and reliable public charging infrastructure across Europe
• EVs are more affordable than ever. Cost competitiveness is mostly driven by comparatively lower energy prices for EVs (especially when compared to increased diesel and petrol fuel prices) and more beneficial taxation arrangements for EV drivers

Commenting on the results of the 2022 EV Readiness Index, LeasePlan CEO Tex Gunning criticised “the total lack of government action on EV infrastructure (which) is creating a European charging shortage”. 

“As EV prices come down and more drivers go electric, finding an available charging station is increasingly a nightmare,” Mr Gunning said. “This report must be a wake-up call for policymakers across Europe: urgent investment is needed now in a comprehensive European charging infrastructure. Driving electric is one of the most effective ways we can all fight climate change, and governments need to make it easier, not harder, for everyone to make the switch.”