Electric mobility in Spain is undergoing a significant transformation, a mix of eagerness to move forward and persistent technical obstacles. Currently, the country boasts over 55.000 publicly accessible charging points, following a 3,8% growth in the first quarter, with the high-power network being particularly noteworthy. However, it's not all smooth sailing, as a significant portion of the installed infrastructure, specifically some 17.073 chargers are not yet operational for various bureaucratic or technical reasons.
For the transition to electric cars to become a tangible reality for the average citizen, it is essential that the grow electric mobility network in Spain not only in number, but also in reliability and ease of use. In this respect, various local administrations and private companies have stepped up to fill the map with charging points. The accumulated investment in this sector is already... 1.290 billion euros until the end of 2025, an economic effort that seeks to ensure that no one is left behind and that the famous "autonomy anxiety" will soon be a thing of the past.
Municipal support and European funds for public transportation
One of the most significant developments has taken place in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where the City Council has decided to transfer the management of its charging points to the Island Council (Cabildo) to integrate them into a much more efficient island-wide network. This agreement, which will initially last six years, is supported by Next Generation EU funds to ensure that citizens have access to clean mobility resourcesSomething similar is happening on the Rueda Wine Route in Castile and León, where charging stations have been installed in twelve rural municipalities so that wine tourism is not at odds with respect for the environment, promoting the use of electric vehicles in less populated areas.
On the other hand, in cities like Lugo, a long-awaited launch is taking place, as the Galician town will install its first public charging points, including electric bicycle chargers and scooters. Meanwhile, in Madrid, the Boadilla del Monte town council has decided not only to expand its network, but also improve the power of existing equipmentUpgrading from 22 kW to 30 kW and transforming single chargers into dual stations. This allows two cars to charge simultaneously, a very practical solution to avoid unnecessary waiting at the busiest charging points in the municipality.
The retail sector's strategy: speed and convenience
The private sector is not lagging behind and has understood that offering good charging speeds is a fantastic draw for customers. A clear example is the Gran VÃa Shopping Centre in Vigo, which has added 18 new charging stations with varying power outputs, reaching up to 200 kW in its ultra-fast options. This variety allows... The user chooses the loading speed depending on how much time you plan to spend shopping or at the movies. Also in Galicia, the Port Authority of A Coruña has given the green light for companies like Zunder and Iberdrola to install 100% renewable energy outlets in strategic areas such as the fish market or the area around the Casa del Mar (House of the Sea).
In the world of hypermarkets, Carrefour has taken the lead with a strategy based on power and simplicity. With chargers ranging from 50 kW to 150 kW in more than fifty stores, the French company allows customers to quickly regain range while filling their shopping carts. Furthermore, they have simplified the process, allowing direct payment by bank card In many places, this avoids the hassle of having to download a different app for each charging station encountered along the way. Prices range from €0,38/kWh to €0,46/kWh, with additional benefits for club members, who can find out more about the nighttime rates for electric cars to optimize spending.
Transparency and pending issues in the sector
However, the physical expansion of the cables is not the only challenge, as the National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC) has issued a significant warning. According to the regulator, the current system makes it difficult for drivers to know exactly how much the service will cost them. Often, so many parties are involved, from the charging station owner to the mobility provider, that The final price is confusing for the user.The CNMC asks that it be clearly specified who sets the tariff and that all costs, such as the start of charging or the occupancy time, be included so that there are no surprises when receiving the bill.
This scenario paints a picture where electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Spain is progressing steadily but still needs to refine important details regarding transparency and administrative efficiency. Collaboration between local councils and companies is key for this to happen. More than 55.000 installed points are operating at full capacity and be easy for any driver to use. With an eye toward 2026, the year in which new European regulations on dynamic data transmission will come into effect, the goal is to make charging a car as simple and straightforward as having a coffee, regardless of whether you're in the center of a big city or driving along a rural tourist route.
