In the last two years, Italy has seen a significant increase in public charging points for electric cars, from 32,776 to 60,339. This increase is a clear sign of the commitment to electric mobility, with a particular focus on the motorway network, where the number of charging points has tripled, from 310 to 1,057. This data, published by Motus-E, reflects an important step in the transition to a more sustainable future, but also highlights the need for closer cooperation between institutions and industry to fully exploit the resources of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).

On 30 September, the number of public charging points exceeded 60,000, an increase of 13,111 over the past 12 months and 9,661 since the beginning of the year. In the last three months, 3,347 points have been added. Of particular relevance is the motorway network, which now has 1,057 recharging points, 86% of which are fast DC charging points and 64% of which have a power rating of more than 150 kW. Currently, 42% of motorway service areas are already equipped with charging infrastructure, facilitating the use of electric vehicles for long journeys.

The distribution of charging points varies between the different Regions of Italy. Lombardy remains in first place, with 11,687 points (+3,593 in the last 12 months), followed by Lazio (6,217 points, +1,659), Piedmont (6,035 points, +1,322) and Veneto (5,690 points, +1,126).

Fabio Pressi, president of Motus-E, comments enthusiastically on the charging network growth data: “This is a positive sign that shows the great commitment of operators in providing Italy with strategic infrastructure. It is essential that we keep up with other European countries, despite lagging behind in the electric vehicle fleet.” Pressi also points out that in a deeply changing environment, the industry needs certainty to plan investments, and the charging network is a decisive starting point. However, Massimo Pressi considers the success of charging network expansion to depend on the availability of programmatic incentives for vehicle demand, already announced by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (Mimit) at the Automotive Round Table in August. The centrality of the NRRP is crucial to support the technological transition, but the practical problems in the use of funds risk thwarting the enormous potential of this instrument.

“Especially in the South and in areas failed by the market, it is crucial to work on the reach of the charging network. As Motus-E, we are at the disposal of the institutions to jointly identify solutions to these issues,” Pressi concludes. In summary, Italy is making significant progress in creating infrastructure for electric mobility, but it is crucial to ensure the right support and resources to continue on this path towards a sustainable future.