Spain to tackle grid challenges to EV charging network

In the first quarter of this year, Spain's publicly accessible charging infrastructure grew by 20 percent up to 46,358 charging points. An additional 13,072 charging points have also been installed but are yet to enter operation, primarily because the power grid cannot support them. Politicians are now taking action.

Although this has been an issue in Spain for several years, it has now reached a level that has prompted government action: electricity companies have been given a maximum of 80 days to connect charging stations to the grid.

This is part of a legislative package which includes several other measures to strengthen the electricity grid. Spanish media reports it places a number of other deadlines on energy providers. In the case of low-voltage connections, operators will now be given just five days to connect a charging station to the grid – provided that all requirements are met. If, for example, a new transformer station has to be installed in order to support more powerful charging hubs, the ‘Royal Decree-Law 7/2025’ provides a grace period of 60 days; if several are required, 80 days will be granted instead.

It remains to be seen whether or not the new decree will actually solve the problem, or run into additional challenges – for example, if other problems will arise elsewhere in the power network due to the connection of additional customers.

On paper, however, Spain’s public charging infrastructure could improve dramatically if the charging points that have not yet been connected are hooked up to the grid soon. If they are, it could mean that Spain ends up with a total of 59,430 charging points – 30 percent more than before.

forococheselectricos.com (ES)