Introduction

Spain, one of Europe’s largest automotive markets, finds itself at a pivotal juncture in the race to electrification. Despite ambitious EU regulations and generous government incentives aimed at promoting electric mobility (e-mobility), the country lags behind its neighbours when it comes to public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

Yet, this very gap highlights a wealth of opportunities. From infrastructure deployment and investment to innovative solutions, the potential for growth and transformation in Spain's EV sector is immense. For charge point operators (CPOs), energy companies, consultancies, municipalities, and other stakeholders, the Spanish EV market represents an exciting challenge—both for scaling sustainable mobility and for seizing competitive advantages.

This blog takes a deep dive into the current state of Spain’s EV charging infrastructure, explores the drivers of growth, highlights the hurdles that need to be addressed, and uncovers the opportunities for those looking to make meaningful contributions to the electrification of Spanish transport.

Where Spain Stands in EV Charging

Spain has made strides in expanding EV infrastructure, yet its public charging network remains underdeveloped compared to big European markets like Germany, the Netherlands, and France.

EV Charging Points

Spain currently boasts 50,000 charging points, but nearly 23%—around 11,500—are inoperable due to permitting issues, maintenance backlogs, or regulatory delays (Cinco Días, 2025). This undermines user trust and highlights inefficiencies that need to be resolved.

Charger-to-Vehicle Ratio

The ratio of chargers to EVs still lags behind the European average. Spain stands at 11.6 charge points per EV, compared to superior figures in countries like the Netherlands. This shortfall is a critical barrier to widespread EV adoption (Zoniq market report, 2024).

Slow Deployment Process

The complex permitting and regulatory procedures for installing public chargers have delayed rollout timelines significantly. The Spanish average for charging station deployment is approximately twice as long as in faster-moving markets such as France and the UK.

Fast Charging Infrastructure

While Spain has doubled its ultra-fast charging network in recent years, it still has only 3,255 high-power chagre points (150 kW and above) nationwide, barely meeting the needs of long-distance EV travel routes (Cinco Días, 2025).

The Market Drivers

Several factors are catalysing the growth of Spain's EV charging infrastructure, positioning it for a significant leap forward.

1. Regulatory Push

The European Union’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) mandates a rapid expansion of charging facilities across member states. Spain must align with these targets, which include improving EV charger availability along major transport corridors and within urban centres.  

2. Government and EU Funding

Spain has received substantial financial support from the EU’s recovery funds (NextGenerationEU). Recent funding allocations include €72 million for 589 new EV charging points and 26 hydrogen charging stations, mobilising €400 million in total investment (European Newsroom, 2025).

At the national level, the MOVES III programme has been extended into 2025, offering subsidies of up to €9,000 for EV infrastructure installation and purchases. This funding directly incentivises both public and private investments in charging networks.

3. Private Sector Investments

Energy giants such as Iberdrola, Endesa, and Repsol are driving investments, while CPOs like Zunder and Wenea are positioning themselves across commercial locations. Partnerships with international players like Tesla and BP are also accelerating rollout ambitions (Roland Berger, 2024).

4. Corporate and Fleet Electrification

There is a growing demand for EV infrastructure from logistics operators, ride-hailing companies, and corporate fleets. The emphasis on electrifying commercial vehicles and reducing operational carbon footprints is boosting investment in urban charging hubs.

Challenges to Overcome

Despite these drivers, significant roadblocks remain.

Bureaucracy

Complex permitting systems and administrative hurdles slow down the installation of EV chargers. Streamlining and standardising these processes is critical to unlocking growth.

Grid Capacity

Many regions in Spain face grid constraints, which make it challenging to install high-power ultrafast chargers. Strategic grid upgrades and decentralised energy solutions could mitigate this challenge.

Underutilisation

Concerns over low usage in non-urban areas impact the return on investment for CPOs. This hesitation limits deployment outside of metropolitan zones.

Technological Uncertainty

Though the market trends toward full-electric, uncertainty around hybrid vehicles and alternative fuels (e.g., biofuels) risks stalling investments in pure EV infrastructure.

Where the Opportunities Are

While there are hurdles, Spain’s EV charging sector is brimming with untapped opportunities for stakeholders ready to step up.

1. Strategic Location Selection

Investors can maximise utilisation and ROI by using data analytics to select prime charging locations. Key targets include motorways, retail parks, and urban business districts where consumer demand is guaranteed.

2. Fast Charging in Transit Corridors

Deploying high-speed chargers along major highways can address the current gaps in long-haul e-mobility. Partnerships with logistics firms and public entities could further incentivise these projects.

3. Private-Public Partnerships

Collaboration between municipalities and private firms has proven successful in other regions. Recent EV tenders in cities like Madrid and Valencia explicitly encourage such partnerships—a model worth replicating across Spain.

4. Untapped Tenders

Municipal tenders present low-hanging fruit for operators. Opportunities such as Madrid's tender covering 12 new fast-charging sites (€287k investment) or Jaén’s Recovery Plan funding could accelerate rollout while benefiting from public sector support (Mobility Portal, 2024).

5. Innovative Business Models

Emerging models, such as subscription-based charging or Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) hubs allowing bi-directional energy flow, provide growth potential. Adoption of smart charging solutions can appeal to environmentally conscious customers and corporations.

A Future-Forward Outlook

Spain's EV charging landscape is one of paradox—lagging yet brimming with potential. Capitalising on this lag requires proactive strategies and innovative approaches. Those who position themselves now will not only benefit from EU-backed financial opportunities but also play a pivotal role in shaping Spain’s sustainable mobility future.

At Zoniq, we help clients cut through the complexity. From site evaluation and rollout planning to optimisation and regulatory navigation, we ensure every investment in EV infrastructure delivers real returns.

Get in touch with us today to discuss how your organisation can thrive in Spain's evolving EV market.

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