As electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to grow, the cost of public charging varies significantly across Europe. Data from the European Alternative Fuels Observatory (EAFO) sheds light on the cheapest and most expensive countries to charge an EV.
Iceland: The Cheapest Place to Charge Your EV
Iceland tops the list as the cheapest country to charge your EV, with drivers paying just €2.89 per 100 km for a typical DC fast charge. Thanks to its vast renewable energy sources, Iceland has kept charging costs low, making it a leader in EV adoption, especially in the capital city, Reykjavik.
Portugal ranks second, with a public charging cost of €3.18 per 100 km. Finland, another leader in green energy, places third, with drivers paying €4.63. These countries benefit from abundant renewable energy, which helps keep their charging prices low.
Norway: The Most Expensive Place to Charge Your EV
At the other end of the spectrum, Norway is the most expensive country to charge an EV. Drivers pay a staggering €18.93 per 100 km—nearly six times the cost in Iceland. Slovenia follows Norway with a charging rate of €17.02 per 100 km.
In southern Europe, Spain offers the cheapest charging rate at €7.11 per 100 km, followed closely by Bulgaria (€7.34). Italy, Greece, Malta, and Cyprus all charge close to €9.83, reflecting the regional average.
Germany and France, two of Europe’s largest EV markets, fall in the mid-range category. France charges around €7.26 per 100 km, while Germany is slightly higher at €8.93. Other countries like Austria (€7.88) and the UK (€7.79) have similar rates, making this region fairly consistent in pricing.
Why the Disparities?
The disparities in charging costs can be attributed to several factors, including energy sources, government policies, and taxes. Countries like Iceland and Portugal benefit from renewable energy, while nations like Norway and Germany face higher costs due to taxes, grid fees, or reliance on imported energy.
The Netherlands leads Europe in public EV infrastructure, with over 154,000 public charging points. Germany and France follow, with over 125,000 each. This extensive network supports the growing number of EVs across the continent, though disparities in charging costs remain a challenge.
As Europe continues to push for greener transport, understanding where it’s cheapest—and most expensive—to charge your EV could influence both consumer choices and travel plans.
