Explosion in the Number of Fast Chargers for Electric Vehicles in Belgium
Belgium is making an impressive leap in infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs). Over the past twelve months, the number of fast chargers in the country has increased by 119%, more than doubling to over 3,000 fast chargers. These chargers, delivering at least 100 kW of power, are essential for EV drivers looking to recharge their batteries on the go during long journeys.
This development reflects not only the growing popularity of electric cars on Belgian roads but also the strategic placement of these chargers along major highways. This pattern is clearly visible on Gireve's map, where the contours of Belgium's highways light up due to the concentration of fast chargers.
Flanders is leading this electrification trend compared to Wallonia, which makes sense as the government stimulates electrification mainly through corporate car fleets, predominantly concentrated in Flanders and Brussels. This difference in adoption between the regions highlights the socio-economic and infrastructural variations within Belgium.
Although fast chargers account for only about 7 to 8% of all charging sessions, their importance should not be underestimated. They provide a fast charging option for travel, despite most EVs having sufficient range for daily use and thus often being charged at home or work.
This growth in fast chargers directly responds to the increasing demand for electric vehicles. In the summer of 2024, the 250,000th electric car was registered in Belgian traffic, and in the first half of that year, nearly a quarter of new vehicle registrations were electric cars.
The French group Electra has now become the largest provider of fast chargers in Belgium, with 383 units, indicating how private players are playing a significant role in developing EV infrastructure.
This trend towards electrification of the car fleet and the related infrastructure development shows that Belgium is seriously preparing for a future where electric vehicles become the norm. This is good news not only for EV drivers but also for the environment, as it contributes to reducing CO2 emissions and dependency on fossil fuels.
