ČEZ plans to build 180 charging points this year, targeting 1,200 by year-end
Energy company ČEZ plans to build 180 new charging points for electric vehicles this year, expanding its network to more than 1,200 stations by the end of the year. The network’s total capacity is expected to reach around 148 megawatts (MW). ČEZ announced this today in a press release. There are more than 3,000 EV charging stations in the Czech Republic, with other operators also gradually expanding their charging networks.
"Our priority is to develop the charging network so that it best meets drivers’ needs and keeps pace with the development of e-mobility. The continued construction of ultrafast stations in particular will enable us to increase the network’s total capacity to around 148 MW and further improve charging availability across the Czech Republic," said Rostislav Díža, director of ČEZ’s e-mobility division.
The operator of what is currently the largest charging network in the Czech Republic expects to increase its total capacity by a further 39 MW this year. According to the company, demand is rising alongside this expansion, with total consumption expected to approach 20 GWh this year. Last year, it stood at 14.9 GWh.
"We are expanding charging primarily along major routes, where drivers appreciate short stops at ultrafast chargers that can provide enough energy for another 150 kilometres of driving within ten minutes," noted Martin Schejbal, manager of ČEZ’s charging services division.
Other operators are also gradually expanding their charging networks, with energy companies among the largest. The growing use of charging stations is progressing alongside rising interest in electric cars. According to data from automotive associations, more than 64,000 electric vehicles are currently registered in the country. Their sales in the Czech Republic rose by 17 percent year on year to 6,479 vehicles in the period through the end of May. According to transport experts, the density of charging infrastructure in the Czech Republic is currently sufficient, while the country ranks around the European average in terms of the number of stations.
