Since electric cars first appeared on European roads, one question has dominated the debate. Can the charging network grow quickly enough to support rising EV sales? The latest figures suggest that it can. One in five new cars sold in Europe is now electric, while Belgium reached 36.1% in the first half of 2026. Charging infrastructure is expanding alongside that demand. Europe had 1.1 million public charge points by the end of 2025, five times as many as in 2020, and that number could reach 2.1 million by 2030.
Progress is not evenly spread across the continent though. Under the EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation, countries must provide enough charging capacity. And ensure that drivers can find fast-charging stations at regular intervals along the core TEN-T road network. By May 2026, 79% of that network met the EU’s 2025 target, rising to 99% in Western Europe. Gaps remain, particularly in parts of Eastern Europe and Spain. But they are more manageable than many may assume. Upgrading or installing around 70 strategically located stations could bring EU-wide compliance to 90%. The industry must therefore continue closing regional gaps while shifting more attention towards the quality of the charging experience.
Building confidence in public charging
Many drivers still expect charging to be difficult, expensive or unreliable, even when the network around them has improved. Energy and mobility brands can help close that gap. Instead of leading with charger numbers and technical specifications, they should show people what charging looks like in everyday life. Explain costs and payment clearly and communicate honestly about both progress and remaining challenges.
Here are six ways to build greater charging confidence:
1. Start with real journeys
Explain charging through situations people recognise. Show where and when someone could charge during their daily commute, a weekend away or a summer road trip. A practical journey tells drivers far more than a list of connector types, charging speeds or network targets.
2. Address the needs of each audience
Different drivers face different barriers. Someone living in an apartment without a private parking space will have other concerns. Compared to a company-car driver or someone who only uses public charging on longer trips. Identify those questions and develop guidance for each situation rather than relying on one general message.
3. Use proof, not promises
Claims such as “fast”, “easy” and “reliable” only work when brands can support them. Share clear data about charger availability, uptime and average charging times. Customer experiences, real-world tests and independent experts can also make the information more credible and easier to trust.
4. Be open about friction
No charging network works perfectly all the time. Brands build more trust when they acknowledge recurring issues and explain how they are resolving them. Use complaints, app reviews and customer service questions to improve FAQs, digital tools and the charging experience itself.
5. Keep every touchpoint consistent
Drivers should receive the same information in the app, on the website, at the charging station and through customer service. Conflicting prices, instructions or availability data quickly undermine confidence. Clear communication requires close coordination between marketing, digital, operations and support teams.
6. Measure confidence, not just reach
Campaign views and website traffic do not show whether people feel ready to use public charging. Track whether communication improves understanding, reduces recurring questions and increases consideration or willingness to charge away from home. Those insights reveal whether the message is genuinely removing barriers.
Communication will shape the next phase of EV adoption
The current EV charging landscape highlights a broader challenge across the energy sector. Technological progress alone does not automatically lead to public understanding or adoption. Whether organisations communicate about mobility, renewable energy, new infrastructure or changing costs. They need to connect innovation with the realities people face every day. Brands that combine clear communication with a reliable customer experience can reduce uncertainty and build lasting trust. Helping people navigate the energy transition with greater confidence.
Want to turn complex energy challenges into clear, credible communication? TEAM LEWIS helps energy brands build trust through clear, evidence-based messaging, thought leadership, media relations and integrated campaigns. Explore our Energy Services or contact our experts at [email protected] or call +32 3 304 36 30.
