Estonia Launches Pilot Measure to Install Electric Car Chargers Near Apartment Buildings

Strategic Insights -

The Estonian government aims to install electric car chargers near apartment buildings, with a €1 million grant to support apartment associations and local governments in different regions. The initiative is part of the country's efforts to transition to more environmentally friendly transport, making it possible in smaller municipalities across Estonia. With the number of electric cars predicted to increase to over 30,000 by 2030, the government recognizes the need to develop the charging network to keep up with growing demand.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Estonian government has submitted a draft for approval to launch a pilot measure to install electric car chargers near apartment buildings, with a €1 million grant.
  • The grant aims to support apartment associations and local governments to find the most suitable charging solutions for apartment buildings in different regions.
  • There are nearly 9,200 electric cars in Estonia today, and the public charging network covers current needs, with one charging point for every ten cars.
  • The number of electric cars is predicted to increase to over 30,000 by 2030, requiring the development of a charging network to keep up with demand.
  • The experience of apartment associations has shown that charging infrastructure close to home has proven itself to be a functional and user-friendly solution.
  • Housing associations and local governments can apply for support anywhere in Estonia, except in Tallinn and its vicinity and in Tartu, where the construction of charging infrastructure is already underway.
  • Local governments can install public fast chargers with a subsidy, which are located up to 300 meters from the apartment association.
  • Apartment associations can choose whether they want to install public, semi-public, or private chargers on their property, provided there are at least ten parking spaces available to serve the apartment association.
  • The measure is expected to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector by more than 3,400 tons per year.
  • The investments will be made from the revenue generated from greenhouse gas emission trading, or so-called CO2 quota money.
  • The measure is expected to open this summer, and the subsidies will be paid by the Environmental Investment Centre.

Statistics:

  • Nearly 9,200 electric cars in Estonia today.
  • The public charging network covers current needs, with one charging point for every ten cars.
  • Predicted increase in electric cars to over 30,000 by 2030.
  • €1 million grant to support apartment associations and local governments in different regions.
  • 100 conventional charging points or 19 fast charging points expected to be built across Estonia.
  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector by more than 3,400 tons per year.

Sources:

  • News release by Jarva-Jaani: Jarva Municipality, Estonia.
  • Statement by Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis.