As electromobility increasingly becomes an integral part of modern transport, developing charging infrastructure is crucial for a sustainable future. In today’s article, we explore the future of charging infrastructure in the Czech Republic, focusing on government and private sector plans and initiatives.
Czech Charging Infrastructure: Current State & Future Plans
There are currently over 4 500 public charging points in the Czech Republic. According to European calculations, they can handle almost one hundred thousand electric vehicles. This number significantly exceeds the number of electric cars currently on our roads.
Although today’s infrastructure meets current needs, the Ministry of Transport has prepared the Operational Programme Transport III (OPT III) to further develop and support charging points.
However, private companies are also planning to expand the charging network. Estimates indicate that we will need more than ten thousand public charging stations by 2030, requiring investment from both the public and private sectors. For comparison, there are about 7.6 thousand filling stations in our country.
Government Initiatives Boosting Charging Infrastructure
The Czech government is actively involved in promoting electromobility and the development of charging infrastructure through several initiatives:
Operational Programme Transport III (OPT III)
The Ministry of Transport provides subsidies for public charging stations. Recently, two calls under OPT III offered CZK 1.2 billion in support. The Ministry of Transport aims to meet the European Union’s requirements for the density of the charging network on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Charging stations should be located no more than 60 km apart and have a capacity of at least 400 kW by 2026.
National Action Plan for Clean Mobility (NAP CM)
In 2019, the National Action Plan for Clean Mobility (NAP CM) was approved, setting a target of 35,000 charging points in the Czech Republic by 2025. The government supports the construction of charging stations and offers financial incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles.
Legislation has also been simplified. To expedite construction, the government adopted a law in 2022 that streamlines the permitting process for installing charging stations.
Private Sector Initiatives in EV Charging Stations
Private companies also play a key role in the development of charging infrastructure. Billions of euros of investment are flowing to increase and improve charging points. They include pockets of energy giants such as CEZ or E.ON.
Expansion of the ČEZ Network: Enhancing EV Charging Infrastructure
ČEZ plans to increase the number of its charging stations to 800 by 2025. The new stations will be primarily located at key transport hubs and in cities. Currently, ČEZ operates around 350 stations, with investments totaling approximately CZK 1.5 billion.
E.ON Drive Innovations in EV
E.ON plans to expand its network with 100 new fast charging stations capable of recharging an electric car in 30 minutes. As of last year, E.ON already operated 265 charging stations across the country. This year, drivers can look forward to the construction of ultra-fast charging stations, particularly along major thoroughfares.
According to their website, construction will begin this year in Hradec Králové, České Budějovice, Ústí nad Labem, Brno, Prague, Olomouc, and other locations. All new stations will feature a capacity of 300 kW or more and will offer payment options via a payment terminal.
NEXT-E Project: Advancing Electromobility
This international project, funded by European funds, involves the installation of over 60 additional fast charging stations in the Czech Republic, primarily along major roads and motorways.
PRE Expands Charging Stations Network
Prague Energy Company PRE is investing in the development of charging infrastructure, primarily in the capital city and its surrounding areas. PRE plans to increase the number of stations in Prague and its vicinity to 300 by 2025, up from the current 150 stations.
Upcoming Technological Innovations in Charging Infrastructure
Developments in charging infrastructure are also bringing significant innovation. The new generation of fast charging stations enables an electric car to be recharged in just 15 minutes. Advances in wireless charging systems are introducing cable-free solutions, enhancing user convenience. Smart charging networks optimize energy distribution. They also reduce the load on the electricity grid during peak times.
The transition to electric vehicles requires careful preparation. It needs to avoid inconveniencing current drivers of internal combustion engine vehicles. Key steps include increasing charging performance, improving the user interface, and strategically positioning stations. Moreover, these stations should be located in high-traffic areas, such as P+R parking lots and other publicly accessible locations.
Furthermore, integrating quality customer service is also essential for addressing problems on the road. The development of charging infrastructure is a crucial step to promote electromobility in the Czech Republic. Public and private sector investment, technological innovation, and strategic planning will ensure that the Czech Republic is prepared for a future with electric vehicles.
