As the world accelerates towards electric mobility, the demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is skyrocketing. Yet, according to recent data, key markets are significantly behind in meeting the required installation levels to support the growing number of EVs on the road. The gap is stark: global EV charging infrastructure needs to grow by more than 500% by 2030 to meet projected demands.
The Infrastructure Challenge
The numbers speak for themselves. The data highlights a significant shortfall in public charging points across key global markets, which is threatening to hinder the growth of the EV market:
- United States: There are currently over 183,000 public charging points, yet more than 1.2 million will be needed by 2030—a gap of over 1 million charging points, representing a required increase of nearly 550%.
- United Kingdom: The UK has just over 66,700 charging points today, but to meet the 2030 target identified by the previous government, 300,000 are needed—a 350% increase.
- Europe: Mainland Europe currently has over 630,000 charging points, but over 3.5 million will be required by 2030, necessitating a more than 5.5-fold increase.
At the current pace of installations, these regions will fall short of their goals. This gap between current infrastructure and future needs presents a significant challenge but also an opportunity for fuel retailers to play a pivotal role in the EV transition.
According to Om Shankar, Vice President & General Manager of Konect, this shortfall presents a significant opportunity for fuel retailers. "We know that most EV drivers currently plug in at home, but as the market grows beyond early adopters, many new EV owners will not have that option. We need to match the progress in EV technology with an adequate number of public charging stations, ideally located in places that are already familiar and convenient for drivers."
Konect: A Solution for Fuel Retailers
Konect, a leading innovator in the EV charging space and a division of Gilbarco Veeder-Root, is poised to help fuel retailers bridge this infrastructure gap. The company offers a comprehensive, end-to-end solution that includes site selection, funding options, market-leading hardware and software, and integration with on-site energy storage. This holistic approach is designed not only to future-proof businesses but also to deliver strong returns on investment.
The company’s unique charging solution is built around DC fast-charging technology and features a dispenser design that emphasizes durability, ease of use, and low maintenance. With a 17-foot charging cable and a high-brightness LCD touchscreen, the system provides a seamless experience for both operators and end-users.
Overcoming Barriers to Adoption
Despite the clear opportunities, the path to widespread adoption of EV charging infrastructure is not without its challenges. Key barriers include the costs associated with installation and maintenance, as well as concerns about uptime and reliability. A recent survey by Konect revealed that over 71% of charge point operators find it challenging to track downtime at their sites, and more than half identified a lack of support from service partners as the biggest obstacle to improving uptime.
"Providing a reliable and user-friendly public charging experience is crucial for the success of the EV transition," Shankar noted. "Konect is equipped with the technology and expertise to support fuel retailers and charge point operators through this transition, ensuring they can offer dependable charging services while maximizing their ROI."
A Future-Proof Strategy
Konect’s approach to EV charging infrastructure goes beyond just providing hardware. The company’s solutions are integrated into a broader, cloud-based ecosystem that connects multiple on-site facilities, from charging stations to localized energy management systems. This integrated approach allows operators to achieve maximum efficiency, enhance profitability, and ensure a smooth transition to electric mobility.
As the demand for EVs continues to rise, the need for accessible and reliable public charging infrastructure will only grow. Fuel retailers who take proactive steps to expand their EV charging capabilities now will be well-positioned to capitalize on this market shift, driving both business growth and the broader transition to electric mobility.
For more information about Konect and its offerings, visit here for the U.S. market and here for the European market.