In 120 municipalities, fast chargers have been unused more than 90% of the time, according to Energimyndigheten. More than one in four of Sweden's 11,000 fast chargers, or 2,900 units, are used less than 10% of the time, the agency reported. Gustaf Länn of Energimyndigheten stated there are too few electric cars charging at these public fast-charging stations.
The root cause lies in stagnant electric vehicle sales and infrastructure that has outpaced demand. According to Dagens Nyheter, David Mowitz of Power Circle described the charging infrastructure as currently ahead of the vehicles. Mowitz identified the stagnant new car sales of chargeable vehicles as the problem. Thomas Schölin of Drivkraft Sverige told Dagens Nyheter that charging operators consider this one of their absolute biggest problems, with getting more cars on the roads being a top priority.
It has become good coverage across the country.
Financial risks are mounting as tax money is involved in almost all fast-charging stations. If those stations are shut down due to low usage, the money is lost, and Sweden may be forced to finance new stations to meet EU regulations, according to Gustaf Länn. Energimyndigheten has warned there is a risk that charging stations may be forced to close, though it remains unclear how many are at immediate risk or what specific EU regulations might apply.
Operational challenges include poorly located stations and potential expansion slowdowns. Gustaf Länn noted that some charging stations are likely poor establishments, possibly due to bad service, too high a price, or other factors that mean they lack a customer base. He added that if no customers eventually come to the more peripheral places, then it will not be viable to operate charging stations there. Thomas Schölin of Drivkraft Sverige warned there is a risk that operators will slow their expansion plans when they see the customer base is lacking, though the extent of 'poor establishments' is not quantified.
Just now, the charging infrastructure is ahead of the vehicles.
Geographic disparities show high usage in some areas versus peripheral neglect. In Upplands Väsby, 30 fast chargers are occupied 30% of the time, indicating better utilization in certain locations. Tens of thousands of charging posts have been installed in all municipalities in the country in just a few years, creating a widespread but unevenly used network.
Sweden's charging network is large-scale, with 9,100 charging stations and 61,000 charging points, according to multiple reports. This contrasts with struggles in other countries; for example, local councils in the UK are facing challenges installing EV charge points that work for everyone, with narrow streets, limited space, and a lack of clear government guidance slowing progress.
When we talk to the charging operators that are connected to us, they say that this is one of the absolute biggest problems. One of the most prioritized areas is to get more cars on the roads. They need more customers.
Future implications include rapid EV growth and potential problems for residents and commuters. The number of electric cars is increasing rapidly, which can create problems for both residents and commuters, though the exact extent of these issues is unclear. Many charging stations are used too little, according to Thomas Schölin of Drivkraft Sverige. Gustaf Länn expressed concern, stating that they are worried about that and need to find solutions on how to handle it in a good way, without specifying what solutions are being considered for peripheral areas.