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EU charging network outpaces EV sales as infrastructure targets met

By Thomson Reuters Jul 19, 2026 | 5:16 PM

By Amir Orusov and Anastasiia Kozlova

July 20 (Reuters) – Charging infrastructure in the European Union has ​outpaced electric vehicle sales, ‌with all member states except Malta already meeting the bloc’s public charging requirements linked to the ‌size ​of their EV ⁠fleets, according to ⁠data published on Monday by advocacy group Transport & Environment (T&E).

The findings challenge arguments from some carmakers ​that inadequate charging networks and soft demand justify ⁠a slower shift ⁠away from internal-combustion engine ​vehicles. Instead, T&E’s analysis suggests charging ​capacity is growing faster than ‌the battery-electric vehicle fleet.

• All EU states except Malta meet charging-capacity requirements linked to ⁠EV fleets

• Public charging network reached 1.1 million points by end-2025, five ⁠times ‌2020 level

• EU exceeds ⁠AFIR fleet-based charging target ​by ‌180%, according to T&E

• ​Challenges ⁠remain for ultra-fast chargers, with only 79% of core transport network compliant

(Reporting by Amir Orusov and Anastasiia Kozlova; Editing by ​Matt Scuffham)