As one of its priority objectives, the European Climate Law (ECL) – agreed by the 27 member states of the European Union (EU) in 2021 – establishes that there should be 5 million electric vehicles in operation in Spain by 2030. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by that year through environmental policies, including those related to the automotive industry and emissions reduction.

Electric vehicles currently make up 22% of the vehicles in Spain. If we compare this figure to the target set in the ECL, only 3% of the target has been met. Spain should be selling 500,000 electric vehicles per year to reach these figures. Why are we not reaching these figures?

The situation in Spain regarding electric and hybrid vehicles

If we look at the different reasons why electric vehicles are not being adopted in Spain en masse, some may be due to:

Semiconductors

Semiconductors, essential for control systems and other automotive components, saw a crisis that resulted in a global shortage which significantly impacted vehicle production, leading to a reduction of approximately 7 million units in 2021. The shortage of resources also resulted in an increase in the cost of semiconductors, leading car manufacturers to increase their price to offset the economic losses.

Financial aids/h3>
For the last two years, the MOVES III programme has offered subsidies of up to 7,000 euros when purchasing a car that runs on alternative energy – 1,300 euros for a motorbike – provided that the buyer decommissioned a vehicle more than 7 years old. However, the process of decommissioning a vehicle can take time and can also impact the following year’s tax return, meaning that it is not always beneficial for those considering buying a new vehicle.

Prices of electric cars or non-plug-in hybrids

While alternative fuel vehicles may have a higher initial market price than petrol or diesel versions, it is important to consider that their long-term maintenance cost will be significantly lower. If you are considering buying an electric car, there are plenty of online calculators to determine whether it is a cost-effective option based on your needs and budget.

Energy costs

Although refuelling petrol and charging an electric car are not the same thing, it is undeniable that the price per kilowatt-hour reached record levels in 2022, as did the price of petrol. Charging an electric car was no longer as cheap as it was previously, which may have discouraged some people who were considering changing their vehicle.

Electric car range

The situation is gradually improving thanks to the development of higher capacity batteries. However, the range of electric vehicles decreases considerably at high speeds, especially on main roads, which may cause some people anxiety, especially if they have not planned their journey in advance and have not researched where they can charge their vehicle.

In-car charging infrastructure

The Spanish Association of Car and Truck Manufacturers (ANFAC) states that there are approximately 13,000 charging points available in Spain. Of these, 80% are slow-charging sockets, similar to those used for washing machines. With these, it can take several hours to fully charge an electric car. Spain’s goal is to install 100,000 new charging points by 2023 and to reach 340,000 by 2030. To achieve this, an investment of 5.5 billion euros will be required.

Where to charge your car when you are travelling

When planning a trip, it is essential to make sure that the destination has a charging station for electric vehicles. Nowadays, the number of charging points have increased significantly and some of them, due to geographical location or available electrical infrastructure, have chosen to implement photovoltaic stations, an increasingly popular alternative to charging an electric vehicle without relying on the grid.

Difference between an electric and a photovoltaic charging station

An electric charging station is a facility designed to charge electric vehicles. Like a conventional petrol station, an electric charging station provides a service to customers, but instead of providing fossil fuels, it provides electricity to charge the batteries of electric vehicles.

Photovoltaic charging stations however are where 100% of the energy produced comes from renewable sources. These charging points do not rely on an electricity grid, so there is no impact on the electricity bill. More and more people are opting for this type of charging station as they offer more freedom in terms of installation.

The popularisation of photovoltaic charging stations is being seen in rural areas where the electricity network is difficult to access, or in car parks where people prefer a more aesthetically pleasing solution.

What advantages can a photovoltaic charging station provide?

  • Carbon footprint reduction: Photovoltaic charging stations are an excellent way for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. Solar panels generate clean, renewable energy, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels. In addition, electric charging stations allow electric vehicles to be charged without emitting greenhouse gases. By investing in photovoltaic charging stations, companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and reduce their environmental impact.
  • Cost savings: Photovoltaic charging stations can also help save costs. Solar panels generate free energy, which reduces a company’s energy costs. In addition, electric charging stations can attract more customers, which increases the company’s revenue and profitability. Companies may also receive tax and other incentives for investing in renewable energy technologies.
  • Improved corporate image: By investing in renewable energy technologies and reducing their carbon footprint, companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. This can improve the public perception of the company and attract customers and employees committed to the same values.
  • Energy independence: By having solar panels to generate power, photovoltaic charging stations can be completely independent from the electricity grid and fossil fuels. This means that the company can be less dependent on fluctuating oil and electricity prices, and have a more stable and secure energy supply.
  • Revenue diversification: Photovoltaic charging stations offer an additional source of revenue for companies already operating petrol stations. By having electric charging stations for electric vehicles, photovoltaic charging stations attract new customers looking for a more sustainable way to get around, which can increase customer traffic.
  • Regulatory compliance: Companies investing in photovoltaic charging stations can comply with the legal and regulatory requirements of their country or region in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In many countries, greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and targets have been set, and photovoltaic charging stations can be an effective way to contribute to these goals.
  • Flexibility in location: Photovoltaic charging stations can be installed anywhere a petrol station is needed, which gives them great flexibility in terms of location. This means that companies can install photovoltaic charging stations in remote areas, on main roads or in cities, which increases the availability of charging stations for electric vehicles.

In conclusion, photovoltaic charging stations offer a number of advantages for companies looking to invest in sustainability and corporate social responsibility. From energy independence to revenue diversification, regulatory compliance and flexibility in location, photovoltaic charging stations are an attractive option for companies looking to improve their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.