Czech EV charging network to expand by hundreds of stations next year, with prices unlikely to change significantly

The network of EV charging stations in Czechia will grow by hundreds of new charging points next year. Most of the additions are expected to be higher-powered ultra-fast stations. Expansion is planned mainly in places where charging options are currently unavailable or demand is high. Charging prices are not expected to rise significantly. This is according to information provided to ČTK by operators. There are currently around 2500 public charging stations in Czechia.

The largest operators of charging stations in the Czech Republic are Czech energy companies. ČEZ currently operates around 830 charging points in the country. The company has set a target of increasing this number to more than 1000 next year. It plans to build at least 180 new stations in 2025, with priority given to ultra-fast stations, which are expected to make up a fifth of its entire network. ČEZ plans to increase the total capacity of its charging network next year from the current 70 megawatts (MW) to 100 MW, comparable to a power plant unit.

Station utilisation is also likely to increase. “This year, we already expect a year-on-year increase of around 50% in the volume of certified zero-emission electricity dispensed, and next year we want to be the first charging network in the Czech Republic to significantly exceed ten million kWh consumed per year,” said ČEZ Deputy Chairman of the Board Pavel Cyrani.

Another company in the EV charging market is Pražská energetika (PRE). It currently operates 731 stations, 71 of which it opened this year. The company aims to bring another 55 charging points online by the end of the year. Next year, it plans to build dozens of new stations, spokesperson Martin Houška said. “At the same time, we will focus significantly on planning new locations, strengthening the existing network, upgrading stations to higher power where we see growing use, and preparing for the years ahead. We also plan to increase the share of UFC stations,” Houška said. The company is preparing investments of several tens of millions of crowns for this.

According to Houška, as it further expands its network, PRE will focus on key transport routes and hubs around Prague. “We always try to choose locations where there are no charging stations yet, or, where appropriate, expand charging options at existing locations,” the spokesperson noted. He said that PRE is currently working on its charging price list for next year. “At present, we do not expect prices to rise,” he added.

According to experts, increased use and expansion of the charging network depend on growth in the number of EVs on the road. Almost 10,000 electric vehicles were registered in Czechia at the end of November. Their number has risen by 62% year on year so far this year, mainly thanks to subsidies. In addition to fully electric cars, tens of thousands of hybrid vehicles are on the road in the Czech Republic.