Upcoming developments: By the year's end in 2024, MOVES Corredores and Flotas Plus are expected to be unveiled

New Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles in Spain

Spain is set to significantly boost its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure with the deployment of a new network of ultra-fast charging points. The initiative, known as Moves Corredores, will see more than 100 charging points, capable of up to 180 kilowatts, installed along main medium and long distance corridors across the national territory.

The move is part of a broader aid program aimed at promoting investments in renewable energy generation or storage associated with charging points. This program is expected to be accompanied by the design of a renewable electricity credit mechanism in the transport sector, known as e-Credits.

The regulation for Moves Corredores will establish the regulatory bases for subsidies to finance investments in public access charging points. This regulation is influenced by the new Commission Regulation EU 2023/1315, of June 23, 2023, and Article 36 bis.

Moves Corredores complies with Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 of the European Parliament and will apply to charging points on both state and regional road networks, provided they affect at least two autonomous communities.

In addition to Moves Corredores, a new plan, Moves Flotas Plus, has been announced. This plan aims to support fleet owners wishing to incorporate more than 100 electric vehicles. Companies operating in at least two Autonomous Communities will be eligible for Moves Flotas Plus.

The Rural Decarbonisation Observatory of the Association of Electric Energy Distributors (CIDE) has highlighted the importance of these regions in the transition towards clean mobility. The shortage of charging stations in rural areas or shaded areas has been a recurring complaint in the sector. Moves Corredores addresses this issue by focusing on improving connectivity and viability of electric vehicles on long-distance routes.

The Spanish Government has also announced the creation of the Moves Corredores to deploy charging points in shaded areas. The Moves Flotas Plus preliminary rules are expected to be published in the coming weeks, with the official regulation for the distribution of these plans to be published by the Ministry of Ecological Transition in September 2025.

It's worth noting that around 50% of the vehicle fleet in the regions targeted by these programs is over 15 years old, while at the national level, older vehicles represent less than 40%. Galp and BMW Spain are also aiming to develop a rural electrification program to boost connectivity and sustainable mobility between rural areas.

MITECO also mentions the possibility of awarding tenders or competitions for the development of this type of infrastructure, as well as the implementation of dissemination and communication measures. A public consultation on Moves Corredores was launched from June 28 to July 12, and 13 objections were received, with issues related to the centralisation of Moves operations and minimum power requirements for projects to be eligible among the main themes reiterated.

The Moves Corredores regulations are expected to be published before the end of the year. These initiatives are significant steps towards Spain's goal of transitioning to a more sustainable and electrified transportation system.

Upcoming developments: By the year's end in 2024, MOVES Corredores and Flotas Plus are expected to be unveiled