A “total lack of government action on EV infrastructure” is creating a European charging shortage that’s roadblocking drivers’ electric vehicle adoption, according to new research from LeasePlan.

LeasePlan says urgent investment is needed now in a comprehensive European charging infrastructure

As EV registrations rapidly increase, charging infrastructure is still lagging, creating a charging shortage and requiring urgent action from governments to invest in a robust and reliable public charging infrastructure across Europe.

The findings come from LeasePlan’s 2022 EV Readiness Index – a comprehensive analysis of the preparedness of 22 European countries for the electric vehicle transition.

The Index is based on three factors: EV registrations, the maturity of EV infrastructure, and government incentives in each country.

Once again, Norway ranked highest in terms of EV readiness, followed by the Netherlands and the UK. In contrast, Czech Republic and Poland ranked lowest, and Greece had the most improved score compared to 2021.

The LeasePlan data also shows EV uptake increased significantly in almost all markets. This reflects the increasing popularity of EVs across European countries as more models become available in every segment.

And 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.

Tex Gunning, CEO of LeasePlan, said: “As EV prices come down and more drivers go electric, finding an available charging station is increasingly a nightmare. This report must be a wake-up call for policymakers across Europe: urgent investment is needed now in a comprehensive European charging infrastructure.”