Spain is at the forefront of Europe's energy transition, with a strong commitment to electric mobility. By 2024, the electric vehicle (EV) landscape in Spain is undergoing a significant transformation, supported by ambitious government policies, a notable increase in EV registrations, and the accelerated deployment of charging points. ME Green, designer and installer of solar photovoltaic projects, in collaboration with Autel, world leader in the development of EV charging systems, explores this energy revolution.
The Regulatory Framework: A Catalyst for Development
Spain's Royal Decree-Law 29/2021 marked a decisive turning point, encouraging the installation of charging points in non-residential parking lots. The decree establishes a ratio of one recharging point for every 40 spaces up to 1,000 total spaces, and an additional point for every 100 spaces over 1,000. This measure aims to facilitate access to recharging for EV users, thereby encouraging their adoption.
Explosive growth in EV registrations
The year 2023 saw a spectacular 69.4% increase in electric car registrations over the previous year, with 51,716 pure electric cars registered, representing 5.4% of the market. This growth is significant, especially when compared with the overall 16.7% increase in commercial vehicle sales. These figures testify to the growing popularity of EVs in Spain.
Expansion and growth of the recharging network
Spain has seen a significant increase in the number of charging stations in recent years. According to data from the Spanish Association of Car and Truck Manufacturers (ANFAC), by 2024 there will be more than 30,000 public charging points throughout Spain. This increase reflects annual growth of over 20% on the previous year. The Spanish government, in collaboration with the European Union, has introduced financial incentives to accelerate this expansion, notably through the Next Generation EU economic stimulus plan.
Ambitious targets for 2030
Spain has set itself the target of having 5 million electric vehicles on its roads by 2030. To support this goal, the country plans to significantly increase the number of public charging points, aiming for at least 110,000 points by 2025 and 340,000 by 2030. By 2021, Spain already had over 10,000 public charging points, a number that is set to grow rapidly to meet demand.
Challenges to overcome
The deployment of charging stations in Spain faces a number of challenges. Among these, the harmonization of payment systems and the standardization of connectors continue to give cause for concern. In addition, the need for a denser and more evenly distributed infrastructure across the country is crucial to avoid charging deserts, particularly in rural and less populated areas.
Understanding the Cost of Electric Vehicle Charging
A crucial aspect of the transition to electric vehicles is understanding the cost associated with recharging them. The cost of recharging an electric car can vary considerably depending on a number of factors, including the vehicle's power rating, the price per kWh, the recharging methods used... At home, the cost of recharging an electric car with a 50 kWh battery capacity is between €6.5 and €13, offering a price per kilometer around three to four times lower than that of a combustion-powered car. Away from home, recharging on the public highway is generally more expensive than at home, with rates varying according to the network of charging points and the power of the electric terminals. Prices per kWh range from 0.25 to 0.35 euros per kWh for recharging from 22 to 47 kW.
The benefits of electric mobility
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) offers numerous advantages, both environmentally and economically. EVs emit fewer greenhouse gases and atmospheric pollutants than combustion-powered vehicles, helping to combat climate change and improve air quality. Economically, although the initial purchase cost of an EV may be higher, operating costs are generally lower due to lower maintenance requirements and the lower cost of electricity compared with fossil fuels.
Understanding the types of charging station and their geographical layout
The distribution of charging stations in Spain is uneven, with a higher concentration in urban areas and major metropolises such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. Around 65% of charging points are located in these regions.
There are several types of charging point, each offering different charging speeds. Charging points can be classified into three main categories: slow, accelerated and fast.
- Slow recharging (3 to 6 kW): Ideal for night-time recharging at home, it can take several hours to fully recharge (60% of installed charging stations).
- Accelerated recharging (7 to 22 kW): Faster, it is often used in company parking lots or public spaces for recharging in a few hours.(25% of installed charging stations)
- Recharge Rapide (43 kW and over): Mainly located on freeways or in dedicated recharging stations, they can recharge a large part of the battery in less than an hour.(15% of installed terminals)
Charging Connectors: Compatibility and Standards
Charging an electric vehicle requires a connector that is compatible with the charging station. The main types of connector are Type 2 (standard in Europe), CHAdeMO (developed in Japan) and CCS (Combined Charging System), which combines AC and DC charging. It's important to check your vehicle's compatibility with the different types of connector available on the market.
Autel: a trusted partner for EV recharging
Autel, with a global presence in over 70 countries, is renowned for the quality and durability of its EV chargers, notably the MaxiCharger range, designed for fast, efficient charging. As a partner of ME Green, Autel is committed to providing exceptional customer service and technical support, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner in the automotive industry.
The Charging Station Profitability Calculation Tool
Calculating the profitability of charging stations for electric cars requires meticulous analysis of several factors. First and foremost, it's crucial to consider the lifespan of the chargers and their warranty. Secondly, the amount of sunshine in the area where the charging stations will be installed plays an equally important role, especially if solar panels are to be integrated to provide part of the energy needed to charge the cars. This green energy can significantly reduce operating costs and reinforce the ecological aspect of the project.
It is also essential to take into account the local cost of electricity, which varies from region to region. This is crucial for periods when solar panels are insufficient to power the chargers. At the same time, the price at which electricity is sold to users of the chargers needs to be competitive yet profitable. Initial costs, such as those for equipment, transport, installation and regular maintenance, must also be meticulously assessed to ensure the financial viability of the project.
With these data in hand, it's possible to deduce several key financial indicators. Firstly, annual net cashflow provides a clear picture of annual cash inflows and outflows, essential for assessing the project's short-term liquidity. Cumulative net cashflow, on the other hand, allows us to observe the evolution of profits over time, offering a perspective on long-term growth and financial stability.
Finally, the payback time is a particularly important indicator, often used to measure investment efficiency. In the case of electric car chargers, this time is generally short, reflecting the attractiveness of such projects in the current economic climate, marked by a global energy transition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, investing in the installation of electric charging stations is not only a gesture towards a more sustainable future, but also a sound economic decision. ME Green Spain, specialists in the installation of electric charging solutions, can be your partner of choice for the installation of these infrastructures, whether in parking lots or other locations. Solar panels can also be integrated to maximize economic and environmental benefits.
For more information or to start your project, please contact us at +33 1 87 66 55 45. Get involved in sustainable mobility today with ME Green!
