Europeans should have a ‘right to plug,’ say transport groups

Give Europeans a ‘right to plug’ at home and at work, says Transport & Environment and the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).

With more than 90% of electric vehicle (EV) charging currently taking place at private charge points, improving the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) will be crucial for reaching the climate targets of the transport sector, says T&E and ACEA. 

The two transport organisations are therefore calling for the ‘right to plug’ for all EV drivers. 

They say that legislating this would create the legal basis in all member states for all drivers to be able to install a charge point – usually at their own cost – when they purchase or lease an electrically chargeable vehicle. 

The letter also calls for member states to ensure that the latency between requesting a charger and installation should not exceed three months. 

The organisations are therefore calling for the upcoming review of the EPBD to set minimum requirements for pre-cabling of parking spaces in new and residential and non-residential buildings. 

The law should also set a minimum number of charging points for buildings (both residential and non-residential) with more than 10 parking spaces, the group argues. 

The letter also says this should cover changing at private depots and logistics hubs for trucks and vans. EU funding streams, such as InvestEU and European Investment BANK, should be used to support the installation of home and workplace charging.