EU Charging Infrastructure Outpaces EV Growth: Only Malta Misses AFIR Target
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Public EV chargers in the EU hit 1.1 million by the end of 2025 — five times more than in 2020. All countries except Malta now meet AFIR capacity targets, though highway coverage still lags in parts of Europe.
The European Union’s charging infrastructure is expanding faster than its electric vehicle fleet. By the end of 2025, the number of public charging points reached 1.1 million — five times more than in 2020. By March 2026, every EU country except Malta had met the AFIR requirement linking charging capacity to the number of registered EVs.
Overall, installed capacity came in 180% above the minimum requirement. That calls into question the claim that the total number of chargers remains the main obstacle to EV sales. Still, the average figure hides significant regional differences.
EU rules require fast chargers rated at least 150 kW every 60 km on core TEN-T roads. As of June 2026, only 79% of the core network met that standard. Western Europe exceeded 99% coverage, while Spain and several Central and Eastern European countries are still closing the gaps.
Poland raised its coverage of main routes from 20% to 59% in under two years. According to Transport & Environment, upgrading or building just 70 strategically placed charging hubs would be enough to bring compliance with the highway target up to 90%.
So the challenge is shifting from the sheer number of connectors to their location, power output, reliability, pricing clarity, and the option to charge at home. The network already outpaces the market in volume — what matters to drivers now is whether the right station is actually on their route.
