In this post, I’ll break down the strategic steps and ideas I believe are crucial for building a thriving EV charging network in line with where the European market is heading.
EV charging is no longer a niche topic or future speculation – it’s a shift in how we move, build, and power our world. To keep up, we need smart choices, practical solutions, and a serious understanding of where demand is actually growing.
The backbone of any EV expansion is the charging infrastructure. Without reliable access to public and private charging options, even the best EV incentives fall flat. For energy companies and infrastructure developers, the time to act is now.
1. Smart Market Analysis
Before any equipment is purchased or ground is broken, there needs to be a solid understanding of EV adoption trends, growth potential, traffic patterns, and user behavior. Tools like GIS mapping, AI-based demand forecasting, and user journey simulations are no longer optional – they’re essential for efficient planning.
2. Mixed-Use Charging Models
No single charger fits all. The actual need is a blend of:
Flexibility in charger types ensures the system is inclusive and scalable. But flexibility isn’t just about speed — it’s also about design. Chargers must be free from manufacturer lock-ins, meaning they should support open standards like OCPP and allow full configurability without proprietary barriers.
At the same time, hardware design matters: a modular approach with smaller kW power modules reduces both downtime and repair costs, making maintenance less painful for both the user and the owner.
3. Renewable Energy Integration
Powering chargers with solar or wind energy reduces the carbon footprint and makes EV charging part of a cleaner energy ecosystem. When combined with battery storage, it also helps ease pressure on the grid during peak hours.
Personally, I also see a strong case for nuclear in this transition – but that’s a topic for another post.
4. Digital-First Infrastructure
Smart charging features such as load balancing, mobile payments, slot reservations, and real-time usage monitoring are now expected by users. Integrating IoT and cloud-based platforms will keep the system efficient and future-proof.
5. Location Intelligence & Partnerships
Selecting high-traffic and high-visibility spots (shopping centers, parking garages, tourist hotspots) improves ROI and user experience. Working closely with local governments, real estate developers, and retail chains can open doors for strategic placements.
Morek empowers businesses, public spaces, and high-traffic areas with scalable and reliable EV charging solutions. With over 250 DC rapid chargers deployed globally, the focus is on performance, reliability, and meeting real-world needs.
One of the biggest pitfalls I see in the market is overpaying for brand-name chargers that don’t deliver proportionally better performance. In some cases, companies in the region have paid up to 3x more for branded units compared to equally capable alternatives.
While large utilities dominate headlines and funding rounds, EU regulations are actually designed to discourage energy producers from owning EV charging infrastructure, to prevent market distortion and unfair competition. Still, in many countries, legal loopholes and aggressive lobbying allow these corporations – often state-backed or part of massive conglomerates – to expand vertically into the EV sector. This creates an uneven playing field for independent operators.
That’s why smaller, agile players are so important. They bring diversity, price fairness, and genuine competition. They also tend to understand local needs far better.
Morek is a strong example of this – delivering premium-quality charging solutions without premium price tags. Our chargers are flexible, software-agnostic, open-system-ready, and built for performance—not profit margins. Proof that you don’t need to be a global giant to drive real impact.
A smarter procurement strategy focuses on:
Value-based procurement allows resources to be allocated to expanding coverage instead of inflating upfront costs.
Norway: Fast-Charging at Scale
Norway’s dominance in EV adoption is backed by dense networks of fast chargers and heavy government support. It shows how high penetration can be achieved if policies and infrastructure grow together.
The Netherlands: Urban Planning Meets Charging
By embedding EV chargers into residential and commercial zones, the Dutch model proves how charging infrastructure can be a natural part of city planning – not an afterthought.
Tesla Supercharger Network
Tesla’s ultra-fast charging stations, strategically placed along long-distance travel routes, offer a blueprint for serving high-mileage users. While proprietary, the concept of rapid, reliable, and route-aligned charging is universally applicable.
What makes Tesla’s approach particularly effective is the deep integration between the vehicle and its charging network. Because the system is developed for its own cars, it enables highly optimized charging planning — including real-time route calculation that considers charger availability, charging speed, and driving conditions.
The result? Your car tells you exactly how long to charge at each stop to reach your destination as efficiently as possible — no unnecessary waiting, no wasted time charging beyond the optimal point. That level of precision is what future networks should aspire to, regardless of brand.
China: Scale Through Mandate and Innovation
China’s EV infrastructure growth has been meteoric, thanks to decisive government policies and support for domestic technology. Their seamless user experience is something we should take seriously – even if the political systems differ.
Having experienced China firsthand on several occasions, I can personally confirm just how far ahead their innovation truly is. The ability to enjoy near silence on the streets of Shanghai — one of the world’s largest cities — even during peak traffic, is something that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a quiet efficiency that reflects how deep and effective their transition has become.
As enthusiastic as I am about EV charging, there are real risks:
Policy Volatility: National or EU-level incentive programs could shift or disappear, slowing adoption.
Grid Readiness: Sudden spikes in demand can stress the grid if infrastructure isn’t planned with smart load management.
Saturation in Mature Markets: Regions with high EV uptake (like Norway) may face ROI challenges if growth plateaus.
Public Acceptance: Lack of awareness or negative perceptions about EV charging availability can reduce adoption, even when chargers exist.
The EV revolution is no longer a matter of if, but how fast. For energy providers, infrastructure companies, and investors, EV charging is more than just a hygiene service – it’s becoming an essential part of the grid and a core utility in a decarbonized future.
But progress is not guaranteed. Political instability and rapidly shifting priorities can set entire regions back by years. From a European perspective, figures like Donald Trump serve as a reminder of how quickly momentum can be lost when leadership undermines long-term planning for short-term headlines. Innovation needs stability, and the EV space is no exception.
As consolidation sweeps through the industry, we must ensure that the EV charging future isn’t monopolized by a handful of vertically integrated giants. Innovation, flexibility, and accessibility come from a healthy mix of players – from agile regional providers to open-system thinkers. So let’s build that future with clarity: not just faster and cleaner charging, but also a more transparent, fairer ecosystem where solutions compete on quality and service – not corporate muscle.
From a business perspective, entering the EV charging space makes sense: it drives electricity consumption, adds new customer touchpoints, and supports national goals. But doing it right means understanding the nuances of market demand, smart technology, policy alignment, and cost optimization.
Without the support of local governments, progress will be slow. Yet the broader EU directives ensure that EV infrastructure will continue to be a critical part of mobility planning in the years ahead.
As someone passionate about mobility, energy innovation, and smart design, I believe now is the moment to act boldly, learn from others, and build charging networks that are not just functional – but visionary.
Charging into the future! I’m a versatile innovator driving the electric vehicle revolution, capturing the world through my lens, and exploring new horizons on foot. I’m not just waiting for the future—I’m creating it.
