In a huge boost for green transportation, the European Union (EU) has allocated a whopping €352 million ($378 million) to develop eco-friendly transport infrastructure. Tesla, a leader in the electric vehicle industry, will be one of the major beneficiaries. While this may seem like a large chunk of money going to one company, there’s more to the story that benefits the average driver on European roads.
875 superchargers already line the continent for future EV needs
Tesla’s Polish and Italian divisions will receive €148.72 million ($159.64 million) for the expansion and upgrade of 7,198 Superchargers across 22 European countries. Notably, Tesla’s Supercharger V4 could potentially get an upgrade from this funding, which would bring its power output from 250 kW to a whopping 350 kW. But what does this mean for Europe’s green transport network?
The importance lies in the sheer scale and spread of Tesla’s Supercharger network. Already boasting 875 stations across the continent, the company recently celebrated its 10,000th individual Supercharger connector in the EU. This additional funding would amplify its reach, covering 16 nations along the Core and Comprehensive Network, including an extra six countries through Tesla’s Polish division.
But Tesla isn’t just boosting its own network. Major car companies like Ford, GM, Volvo, and Mercedes have adopted Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) port and struck deals to use its Superchargers. This makes Tesla’s network not just a private utility, but a quasi-public infrastructure that benefits a wider range of electric vehicle users. Furthermore, in early 2021, Tesla began opening its network to all EV users in select locations in the Netherlands, France, and Norway, further democratizing access to electric vehicle charging.
According to European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean, the EU will also invest in 18 hydrogen refueling stations and electrification of ports and airports. This illustrates the EU’s diversified approach to green transportation. While Tesla’s share might seem sizable, it serves a broader objective—making green driving a practical and accessible option for millions of Europeans.
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