Search: Transport & Environment

Transport & Environment research shows the European Union reached approximately 1.1 million public charging points by end 2025, five times the 2020 figure, with available capacity 180 per cent above the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation minimum of 1.3kW per battery electric vehicle. Every EU member state except Malta now exceeds AFIR charging capacity targets. By June 2026, 79 per cent of the core Trans European Transport Network met the EU's 2025 ultra rapid charging target, with Western European coverage above 99 per cent, while 20 of 27 member states had already reached their 2027 targets for the broader TEN-T Comprehensive Network.

Why it matters: The data suggests procurement pipelines for public charging infrastructure remain robust and that AFIR compliance is driving deployment faster than EV adoption, potentially easing pressure on charge point operators to meet near term coverage mandates. Western Europe's near complete TEN-T coverage may shift competitive focus to secondary networks and reliability upgrades rather than greenfield corridor builds.

Public charging infrastructure across the EU has grown faster than the battery-electric vehicle fleet, with all member states except Malta meeting the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) requirement of 1.3 kW of publicly accessible charging capacity per battery-electric vehicle by the end of March 2026, according to Transport & Environment (T&E). Total public charging capacity across the EU exceeds the minimum target by 180%. On geographical deployment, 79% of the TEN-T Core road network met the 2025 requirement for ultra-fast charging stations (minimum 150 kW output) every 60 kilometres as of June 2026, with Western Europe achieving over 99% compliance while gaps remain mainly in Spain and Central and Eastern European countries.

Why it matters: The analysis confirms that AFIR's fleet-based and geographical targets are driving infrastructure rollout ahead of EV adoption, validating the regulatory framework for CPOs planning network expansion. The concentration of remaining gaps in Spain and Central and Eastern Europe signals where procurement opportunities and public funding are likely to focus in the near term.

Transport & Environment reports that electric vehicles made in China fell from 22 per cent of the EU market in 2024, when tariffs were introduced, to 17 per cent in the first quarter of 2026. The drop stems mainly from Western brands such as Tesla, BMW and Volvo moving production to Europe; Tesla's share of Chinese EV imports fell from 26 per cent to 19 per cent, while European manufacturers' share dropped from 38 per cent to 23 per cent. Chinese branded imports continue to rise and now account for more than half of China's EV exports to the EU.

Why it matters: The shift signals that tariffs are reshaping supply chains rather than blocking Chinese vehicles outright, with Chinese OEMs expanding their EU footprint while Western makers localise production. Charge point operators and procurement teams should expect growing volumes from BYD and other Chinese brands, potentially requiring new commercial partnerships and site planning for unfamiliar marques.

Transport & Environment has published an analysis challenging arguments from Britain's automotive sector to dilute the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate. The campaign group contends that industry claims for relaxing the policy do not hold up under scrutiny. The piece appears amid ongoing debate over the UK's regulatory framework requiring manufacturers to meet rising EV sales quotas.

Why it matters: A firm ZEV Mandate sustains demand forecasts that underpin charging infrastructure investment and site acquisition timelines. Any policy weakening could slow the rollout pace that CPOs and local authorities are planning for.

New Orleans Charter Science & Mathematics High School has unveiled a fleet of nine IC Bus Type C electric school buses, operated by A&S Transportation and supported by Highland Electric Fleets through its Electrification-as-a-Service model. The project was funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program, secured via a coalition of school districts. Dedicated charging ports enable overnight charging to support daily student routes.

Why it matters: The deployment demonstrates how EaaS models and federal Clean School Bus funding are enabling smaller operators to adopt electric fleets with managed charging infrastructure. It signals growing demand for turnkey electric school bus solutions that bundle vehicles, charging hardware, and operational support.