According to IEA data, 2 million electric cars were sold in the first quarter of 2022, a 75% increase over the same time the previous year. It is helpful to look at the nations that are setting the standard for electric car sales and infrastructure in order to better comprehend this quickly expanding market. The five nations that make up Europe have a lot to teach us about how to build a thriving e-mobility ecosystem.

The material was created in cooperation with Solidstudio, the software development agency providing solutions in electromobility. We'll explore what can be learned from their successful models – both in terms of general strategies as well as infrastructure investments – so that other nations can benefit from their experiences when setting up their own e-mobility networks. 

Here are the list of the TOP5 European countries in e-mobility:

1. Norway
2. Iceland
3. Sweden
4. Netherlands
5. Finland

What are the e-mobility lessons to learn from top-selling European countries?

The topic is complex and needs to be looked at from different angles. Here are some insights, which should be looked at in this topic:

First and far-going governmental actions and various policies

This aspect is perfectly illustrated by the situation in Norway. Success of eMobility in Scandinavian countries is closely related to the electromobility policy, which was introduced in the 1990s. EV owners in this area can enjoy a range of benefits, including no purchase/import taxes, exemption from 25% VAT on both purchases and leases of their vehicle, as well as an upper limit when it comes to paying local parking fees. What's more - they even get access to exclusive bus lanes. 

Cash incentives and discounts for EV drivers

In Iceland, operators of charging stations are given incentives to ensure a comprehensive infrastructure. In Sweden, electric car owners have access to free charging and the government has an ambitious goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2045. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, first time EV buyers receive a valuable subsidy worth $4000. 

Charging station infrastructure

The infrastructure behind electric vehicles has been a game-changer and continues to drive demand. The Netherlands is an especially excellent example: in 2019, 26% of European charging stations were located there. Convenient accessibility alongside the sheer number of charging points are major factors for success. Cities must have dedicated spots on parking lots, plus buildings that offer integrated charge ports (such as being able to plug your car when you are at work).

Conclusion: 

The study has found that eMobility is not a one-size-fits-all solution and its popularity is determined by multiple factors. These include the financial state of the country, its development goals and advancements in infrastructure. While technological solutions, education and environment awareness also play a role in shaping eMobility popularity, there is still hope for countries who are lagging behind in these areas.

To learn more about how these factors affect eMobility popularity, check out the full article