Op-ed: Vehicle Electrification in Israel: 1,000 Fast Charging Points Needed

As someone who spends a lot of time on the road, I can testify that I have seen a significant increase in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on Israeli roads. Today, there are around 30,000 EVs in Israel, but according to the Knesset Research and Information Center, by 2025, it is expected that there will be over 200,000 EVs on Israeli roads. The government has even set a goal for 2030 to only sell EVs in Israel.

Can Israel catch Europe?

This rapid growth presents a challenge, specifically in terms of public charging infrastructure. Israel lags behind energy ministry plans and international trends in this regard. Currently, there are only around 100 fast and ultra-fast charging points in Israel. In comparison, in European countries, it is common to have a ratio of 1:100-1:200 between the number of EVs and the number of fast charging points needed for them. This means that by 2025, Israel will need more than 1,000 fast charging points, and that is just the beginning.

Meeting the demand for fast charging

The EV market is facing a number of challenges. Most early EV buyers have private parking with a slow charging point and rely on overnight charging. However, as the number of EVs on the road increases, the need for public charging infrastructure will become more pressing. Furthermore, the high cost of EVs and their limited range are also barriers to wider adoption.

Despite these challenges, the shift to EVs is inevitable and necessary. 

Not only do they produce zero emissions, but they are also cheaper to maintain and operate than traditional gasoline vehicles. In order to accelerate the transition to EVs, the government and private sector must invest in charging infrastructure and provide incentives for EV purchases. With the right support, it is possible for Israel to meet its ambitious EV goals and lead the way in sustainable transportation.

The Government’s Role

Three months ago, the climate summit took place in Sharm-a-sheikh with the goal of coordinating global efforts to prevent a climate crisis and adapt to it. There is no doubt that the transition to EVs is an important component in this fight, but if the government fails to address the current barriers, we will be left with outdated, CO2-spewing transportation and questioning how the “Start-Up Nation” fell behind in tackling these challenges.