By the end of 2023, the charging network reached 3,000 fast charging sockets. Furthermore, it is anticipated that at least 50,000 fast charging sockets will be installed by 2030. According to the projection prepared by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, electric vehicle sales will occur in over 600 districts across 81 provinces, with more than 90% of the population living in these areas by 2025. By 2030, the adoption rate at the district level is expected to exceed 95%. Consequently, we will see a significant increase in fast charging stations. The main reason for this is that individuals who want to use electric vehicles are looking to save time. Therefore, it is becoming common to find fast charging stations at shopping malls, frequently used highways, and parking lots.
EVS Elektrikli Şarj Sistemleri Sanayi ve Ticaret AŞ, established in 2019, has begun its investments and established the Sharz.net branded charging network. Sharz.net General Coordinator Ayşe Ece Şengönül mentioned that they started with their first charging stations in 2018 and have now reached a broad network. She also stated that an additional investment of 40 million TL will be made soon. Şengönül said, “Last year, we invested 40 million TL to reach 1,000 stations in our country. Of the additional 600 stations we established, 50 are DC (Direct Current high-speed charging) stations. Our goal is to be present in 81 provinces and to contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions nationwide by promoting electric vehicle use.”
Sharz.net’s fast charging stations are actively serving on intercity roads. With these stations, charging can be completed in about 60 minutes. Şengönül noted that electric vehicles can also be charged while parked, stating, “Drivers generally use slow charging stations at home, workplaces, and public parking lots. However, fast charging stations are necessary for long-distance travel on intercity roads and major city roads.”
Finally, Şengönül mentioned that fast charging units can charge vehicles in 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on their power. Aytemiz, which continues its partnership with Eşarj at fuel stations, also holds the title of having Turkey’s first electric vehicle charging station installed at a fuel station. By the end of 2023, Aytemiz aims to increase the number of Eşarj stations to 25, tripling the number of stations in response to the increasing number of electric vehicles and the rising trend in the market, offering fast, high-quality, and uninterrupted service to electric vehicle owners.
Investments are increasing
Investments from the government to expand fast charging systems are also growing. This increase is drawing investors' attention to fast charging stations.
With the support program prepared by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, up to 75% grant support is provided for the installation of fast charging stations. Investors can receive support of up to 250,000 TL per station, with an additional 20% support for locally made units. DC (Direct Current) high-speed charging units can charge vehicles in 30-40 minutes.
Charging times can vary depending on the power of the units and the battery capacities of the vehicles. Berkay Somali, General Manager of Voltrun, said, “With one hour of charging, an average of 400 km can be traveled. The prices are determined by the tariffs published by the EPDK. Personal use charging stations are less expensive, while commercially available stations are slightly more expensive. On average, charging at personal use stations costs between 150-200 TL, while at commercial stations it can range from 300-350 TL.”
The top three countries with the highest proportion of electric vehicles in the total market are Norway at 86%, Sweden at 43%, and the Netherlands at 30%. Berkan Bayram, President of the Turkish Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Association (TEHAD), states that Turkey has the potential to generate a 5 billion dollar business volume in terms of electric transportation, charging networks, batteries, and related technologies.
There is also international interest. Energy experts state, “New players, new business models, and new technologies will transform traditional charging into smart charging through the adoption of technologies from other industries. Meanwhile, international companies are rapidly acquiring and financing start-ups in the charging sector. They also plan to convert existing gas stations into electric vehicle charging stations.” Electric charging stations have become a new investment area for companies and entrepreneurs.
