One million electric vehicle charging points have been installed across Europe.

An electric car charging station on Wolvendael Street, Uccle district, Brussels (Belgium). (Photo: Huong Giang/VNA)

According to the VNA correspondent in Brussels, this is not only a symbolic milestone but also proof that electric transport is gradually becoming a popular and reliable option for Europeans, even during peak travel times such as summer holidays.

According to EV Belgium, charging systems are developing at an unprecedented pace, thanks to coordinated investment from both the public and private sectors. With over one million public charging points in operation, including around 100,000 fast or ultra-fast charging stations, electric vehicle users can now easily hit the road without worrying about distance or access to power.

In fact, modern ultra-fast charging stations allow you to charge most of your battery capacity in less than 20 minutes, the same amount of time it takes to take a coffee break along the way. This makes long-distance travel by electric vehicle no longer a challenge but a more pleasant and convenient experience than ever before.

In Belgium, charging infrastructure is also making significant strides. The public charging network has now reached nearly 100,000 points nationwide, making Belgium one of the best-equipped countries in the European Union (EU) in terms of charging facilities.

Notably, of these, over 90,000 charging points provide standard power, serving the needs of overnight or on-site charging. The remaining approximately 7,000 are fast charging stations, capable of meeting the needs of mobile commuting. The Wallonia region, once considered lagging behind in the electrification of transportation, has made a significant leap forward, with the number of fast charging stations doubling in just one year.

Along with infrastructure development, the number of electric vehicles is also expected to skyrocket in the near future. EV Belgium predicts that by the end of this decade, there could be around two million electric vehicles on Belgian roads. To accommodate this scale, the charging network needs to continue expanding not only in number, but also in coverage density and connectivity.

This synchronized development is considered a prerequisite for ensuring that electric vehicles can sustainably and effectively replace traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

Beyond just numbers, the quality and transparency of the charging experience are also significantly improving. Thanks to the EU's AFIR (Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Development) regulation, effective from 2024, charging station operators are required to meet stringent standards regarding pricing, payment methods, and service accessibility.

Users can now pay simply with a bank card, without needing separate apps or membership cards as before. Information about charging capacity, estimated time, and price is also publicly available, helping to avoid unpleasant surprises when using the service.

This is seen as a crucial factor in boosting consumer confidence in electric vehicles, while removing the barriers that previously existed for those hesitant to switch to electric vehicles.

Besides infrastructure and regulations, charging technology is also making significant strides. Recently launched electric vehicle models have been designed to be compatible with ultra-fast charging stations without affecting battery life, one of the most common concerns of consumers.

The combination of advanced charging technology and compatibility with next-generation vehicles shortens charging times while enhancing user convenience in all travel situations.

Europe reaching one million charging points is not only a milestone in infrastructure but also a strong affirmation of the region's commitment to building a sustainable, equitable, and zero-emission transport system.

As charging electric vehicles becomes as easy as refueling with gasoline, and the user experience continues to improve, the transition to electric vehicles is no longer a matter of the future, but is happening today, on every road in Europe.

"While electric vehicles were previously only the choice of pioneers, they have now become a smart and viable option for the majority," emphasized a representative from EV Belgium.

With current developments, charging electric vehicles will become faster, cheaper, and simpler, bringing Europe closer to its goal of carbon neutrality and a green, clean, and sustainable economy for future generations.

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