Energy tariffs for EV charging stations vary significantly across Europe
In the public EV charging sector, energy represents a significant operational expenditure that operators must manage, particularly with low utilisation of charging infrastructure.
To support the energy transition and promote the decarbonisation of transport, some European countries have applied measures to reduce the total energy cost. Against this background, Motus-E, the Italian association for electric mobility, has commissioned AFRY to conduct a study on this topic.
AFRY modelled and quantified the electricity tariffs that public CPOs are most likely to incur in Italy, France, Germany and Spain, to identify the underlying difference. The analysis focused on selected types of charging configurations that are representative of the current market practice.
Key findings
- The higher energy cost for public charging operators in Italy is due to structural differences underlying energy prices, grid fees and other charges.
- The difference between tariffs becomes very significant at medium voltage, where system and general charges account for the bulk of it.
- Still at medium voltage, the power-dependent components of the tariff generate most of it, especially when the chargers utilisation is low (typical in developing markets).
The electrification of Italy's road transport faces key challenges, with high EV charging costs being a major one. To encourage drivers to switch to electric vehicles, charging must be more affordable and convenient. A more favourable tariff regime would help the sector to narrow the gap with other European countries
says Orazio Corva, Principal at AFRY Management Consulting.
