Electric Vehicle Infrastructure – Concepts and Challenges for Greece

Abstract

Electric Vehicles (EVs) represent a self-evident solution to environmental issues. Particularly in urban areas, the inhabitants must cope with increasing air pollution from industry and traffic. Promoting the electrification of individual transport can be part of the solution not only to slow down climate change but also to improve the quality of life of city dwellers. Athens has one of the highest emission rates in Europe due to traffic. The Greek Government published the National Plan for Energy and Climate in late 2019. A key message of this plan is that by 2030, one in three vehicles sold in Greece should be equipped with an electric drive. Additionally, Renewable Energy Sources (RES) are about to be promoted, which shall lead to a more environmentally friendly electricity mix (29.2 % share of RES in 2020, aiming for 61 % share of RES in 2030). This is necessary for EVs to achieve a reasonably well-to-wheel CO2 and NOx balance, not only a reasonable tank-to-wheel balance. Government subsidies are intended to create incentives to buy an electric vehicle. Including tax benefits, these subsidies can support the purchase of an electric vehicle for up to 10,000 €. Considering the comparatively low purchasing power in Europe and the lacking Charging Infrastructure, this is an ambitious target. Declining prices for EVs and charging facilities also enable countries with lower GDP per capita to electrify their mobility. This paper’s purpose is to examine whether Greece’s above objective of transport electrification is achievable and in addition to highlighting the strategies and methods that must be utilized to electrify Greece’s private transport. Therefore, the methodology followed includes the calculation of the minimum number of Public Charging Points (PCPs) required and subsequent analysis of pioneer countries regarding EV Infrastructure that Greece should be adapt to electrify its private transport appropriately. Concluding this paper's results show, that Greece's objective is achievable.