European Union (EU) delegates have agreed on a new law that requires a significant increase in electric vehicle (EV) recharging and hydrogen refueling stations across Europe’s main transport networks, as reported by ESG Today on March 28. The move intends to realize a transition to zero-emission transport and addresses consumer refueling concerns. Under the law, fast-recharging stations with a minimum output of 150kW for cars need to be deployed at least every 60 kilometers (km) along the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) by 2025. Recharging stations dedicated to heavy-duty vehicles (of at least 350kW) will be installed every 60km along the TEN-T core network, and every 100km on the larger TEN-T comprehensive network from 2025. The law also requires the deployment of a hydrogen refueling station every 200km along the TEN-T core network by 2030.

The agreement comes the same week as the EU members reached a landmark deal to ensure all new cars sold in the EU will be emissions-free after 2035. The lack of charging stations and hydrogen refueling sites is considered one of the major factors impeding the transition. The new emission statutes on transport will back the EU’s 2021 climate policy package called ‘Fit for 55’, which aims to reduce the total EU emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Ismail Ertug, who participated in the negotiations of the new law, stated that decarbonization of the transport sector is crucial as it is still a major source of emissions.

Sources：

https://www.esgtoday.com/eu-lawmakers-agree-to-law-requiring-ev-charging-hydrogen-refueling-network-deployment/​

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-28/eu-reaches-deal-to-roll-out-car-charging-points-across-bloc#xj4y7vzkg

https://www.petrolplaza.com/news/32399

https://www.esgtoday.com/eu-lawmakers-agree-to-ramp-emissions-reduction-requirements-for-road-ag-and-buildings-sectors-to-40-by-2030/