21 February 2025: A consortium led by E.ON has secured €45 million in funding from the European Union to accelerate the expansion of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles across Europe. The initiative, known as the DRIVE-E project, is among 39 innovative projects selected by the EU to advance alternative fuel infrastructure. By the end of 2027, the project aims to deploy 1,400 new public charging points, including 430 high-power charging stations (350 kW or more) dedicated to heavy commercial vehicles.

The project will be implemented across 13 EU countries, significantly contributing to the electrification of both freight and passenger transport. The DRIVE-E consortium includes E.ON, ZSE, and Eldrive, which will collaborate to establish a widespread charging network along major trans-European freight corridors. This will include dedicated truck charging hubs and mixed-use sites catering to both cars and commercial vehicles. Additionally, the project will fill existing infrastructure gaps, particularly for light commercial vehicles.

The new charging stations will be strategically positioned at over 250 locations across Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia.

The DRIVE-E project is co-funded under the EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) II, a key initiative supporting the EU’s goal of expanding charging networks across trans-European transport routes. The AFIF, which entered its second phase in February 2024 with a €1 billion budget, plays a crucial role in enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of Europe’s transport sector.

Through this large-scale investment, the EU is taking another major step toward decarbonising European freight transport, ensuring reliable and accessible charging solutions for the growing number of electric vehicles on European roads.

The DRIVE-E project marks a significant milestone in Europe's transition toward sustainable transportation. By expanding EV charging infrastructure across key transport corridors, this initiative will play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting the growing adoption of electric vehicles. With strategic investments and collaboration among industry leaders, the EU continues to drive forward its commitment to a greener, more efficient mobility network, ensuring a cleaner future for both freight and passenger transport across the continent.