Electric cars abroad: charging, parking, subsidies and more

Charging

Belgium has an extensive network of public charging stations. Fast charging is easily available along the motorways.

The largest networks are allego, Lidl and Tesla Destination Charging.

Parking

The major car park operators in Belgium offer the possibility to search for car parks with charging stations on their websites (Interparking, Q-Park, APCOA).

In Belgium, there are (still) free charging stations in supermarket parking lots. However, the large discounters have announced that they will switch to the payment system. An app is required for activation.

Low emission zones

Although electric cars do not require a day pass, they must be registered to drive in the low emission zones of Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent. Fines range from €150 to €350. 

Subsidy and tax

There is no purchase incentive in Belgium. Depending on the region, EVs are subsidised in different ways.

In Flanders, the one-off registration tax for electric cars is waived and there is no annual vehicle tax to pay. In Brussels and Wallonia, the registration tax for e-cars is at the minimum rate of €61.50 and the annual car tax is only €83.56.

For more information on incentives for electric cars in Belgium and its regions.

Charging

In Bulgaria, the network of public charging stations is not yet very dense. However, there are many fast-charging stations. Make sure you always have enough electricity; if there are problems with one charging station, you can still drive to another. 

The biggest providers are eldrive and Fines.

Parking

In the cities of Sofia, Plovdiv and Burgas, you can park an e-car free of charge in certain zones. However, you will need a sticker for this. This can be obtained from the relevant authorities (in Bulgarian).

Rental car

In Sofia and Plovdiv, for example, you can rent an e-vehicle at reasonable prices through the SPARK car rental service. Charging at eldrive charging stations is included in the rental price and parking is free in many zones.

Subsidy and tax

There is no purchase premium for e-vehicles in Bulgaria. But e-cars are exempt from vehicle tax.

Charging

You can drive around Germany in your electric car with confidence. As well as a nationwide network of charging points, there are also a large number of fast-charging stations.

The biggest providers are Ladenetz, innogy eRoaming, EnBW.

Parking

The Electromobility Act (EmoG) creates some privileges for electric vehicles in Germany. Implementation is the responsibility of the individual municipalities. In particular, parking facilities have been set up at public charging stations. More information is available from ADAC.

Subsidies and taxes

In Germany, the purchase of an electric car is subsidised with up to 6750 euros.
Electric cars are exempt from road tax until 31 December 2030.
More information from ADAC.

Other things

If you stop on a motorway or expressway with an empty battery, you could be fined €70.

Charging

Denmark has a well-developed network of public charging stations. These include many fast charging stations along the main roads.

The main operators are E.ON DK and Clever.

Parking

In some cities, such as Copenhagen, parking in public car parks is free for EVs. This also applies to tourists. Look out for the signs (P + plug). This privilege does not apply in multi-storey car parks.

Time limits also apply to EVs.

Other advantages

In some municipalities, you can drive your electric car in the bus lane. If this is possible, it is indicated by a green symbol on the road.

Subsidy and tax

In Denmark, there is no blanket purchase incentive for electric cars. There are tax breaks.

Charging

Public charging stations are available throughout Estonia. Fast charging is also available.

The largest operator is Enefit VOLT.

Parking

Parking for electric cars is free in the centre of Tallinn. You must register with the traffic office in advance.

Subsidies and tax

The Estonian government encourages the purchase of electric cars with subsidies of up to €5000.

Charging

There are enough charging stations in Finland, including fast-charging stations. However, the density decreases towards the north. Make sure you always have enough power; if you have problems with one charging station, you can drive to another.

The largest charging networks are Fortum Finland and ABC Lataus. Fortum Norway and Fortum Sweden charging cards are also accepted in Finland.

Parking

In Helsinki, e-car drivers receive a 50% discount for paid parking. To be eligible for the discount, the parking space must be paid for via a mobile app. Before doing so, you must register your e-vehicle with the relevant authority via email. Residency in Finland is not required.

Read more about the procedure here.

Subsidy and tax

There is no flat-rate premium for buying an e-car.

In Finland, e-cars have concessions on vehicle tax.

Charging

France has a well-developed network of charging stations. Fast charging is available everywhere. The largest providers are Tesla Destination Charging, Lidl and Reveo.

Free charging is available in some supermarket car parks. An app is required to activate them.

As electricity is cheaper in France than in Germany, ad hoc charging can also be worthwhile.

Parking

If you charge your EV in the designated parking areas, you can park for free for the time you are charging (e.g. 30 minutes). Signs and markings on the ground indicate the parking areas, for example in public places or supermarkets.

If you live in France, there is also a green sticker called the "disque vert", which allows you to park your electric car for two hours free of charge in paid car parks. The sticker can be obtained from the city or town hall on presentation of the vehicle registration document.

In Paris, a "véhicule de basse émission" is required.  This must be applied for in advance from the city. Without this card, you can be fined €50.

Tolls

There are efforts in France to reduce or even abolish the toll for electric cars. At the moment, however, there are only temporary offers from individual toll operators. Conditions: drivers of electric vehicles must use the electronic toll system and the vehicle must be registered in France.

Promotion

In France, there is a bonus for the purchase of electric cars ("bonus écologique"). The maximum subsidy for new vehicles is €6,000. For used vehicles, the subsidy is €1,000.

There are also regional bonuses and subsidy programmes. Some of these can be combined with the purchase bonus.

More information at service-public.fr and cec-zev.eu.

Other issues

If your electric car breaks down on the motorway because the battery is flat, you could be fined up to €150 for unauthorised stopping.

Some cities in France have low emission zones, such as Paris. Here, electric car drivers need a category 0 (green) vignette.

Charging

In Greece, the network of public charging stations is still very thin. Fast charging is only available in a few places. Make sure you always have enough power; if there are problems at one station, you can always drive to the next.

The biggest networks are DeiBlue and nrg incharge.

Parking

In the centre of Athens and other cities, e-car drivers can park for free in paid parking spaces.

Unfortunately, this privilege does not apply to tourists. This is because a so-called TaxisNet code is required, which can be used to request a vignette from the Greek government. This is possible via the website electric-vehicles.services.gov.gr (in Greek).

Incentive and tax

The Greek government encourages the purchase of electric cars. In addition, electric cars are exempt from vehicle and registration taxes.

Other issues

In Athens, restrictions to curb air pollution do not apply to e-vehicles, e.g. driving bans during smog alerts.

Charging

There are many public charging points in the UK. Fast charging is available along motorways and dual carriageways.

The main providers are Ecotricity, Charge your Car (mainly in Scotland) and ESB (Northern Ireland only).

Free charging is sometimes available in shopping centre car parks, supermarkets or hotels. Again, an app is required for activation.

Parking

In London (and other cities), you can often park for free in public charging points for the duration of the charge. Look out for signs.

UK residents can apply for discounted or free parking permits for electric vehicles.

Some areas also offer discounted electric car parking for tourists. Check the websites of individual cities and towns for information.

Congestion charge and low emission zone

In London, EVs do not pay the and are not subject to the restrictions of the

There is no charge for entering London's Ultra Low Emission Zone. However, the e-car must be registered online before driving through the zone.
EVs are also exempt from the London Congestion Charge. However, registration is still required.

Subsidy and tax

The UK government is offering a discount of up to £2,500 on the purchase of a new electric car.

Electric cars are exempt from road tax.

Charging

In Ireland, public charging stations are available throughout the country. Fast charging is also available, usually along main roads.

The largest provider is ESB (also in Northern Ireland).

Parking

In Dublin you have to pay extra for parking at public charging points.

Toll

E-vehicles only pay 50% of the applicable toll. To take advantage of this privilege, you must register for the eletronic tag toll.

More details on gov.ie.

Subsidy and tax

In Ireland, the purchase of a new e-car is eligible for a premium of up to €5,000. Vehicles with a list price of up to €60,000 are eligible.

In the case of registration tax, e-cars receive a reduction of up to €5,000. The lowest rate of vehicle tax applies (120 €).

More information at gov.ie.

Charging

The network of public charging stations in Iceland is still under construction. There are already charging points at regular intervals along the coastal ring road, including for fast charging.

Make sure you always have enough power; if there are problems with one station, you can always try the next one.

The country's largest provider is Orka náttúrunnar.

Parking

In Iceland, you can park for free at public charging stations while you charge.

Subsidies and taxes

Iceland offers a VAT reduction for the purchase of electric cars.

Charging

There are enough public charging stations in Italy, including fast ones. The density of the network decreases towards the south.

The largest network is Enel X Way.

Here you can find information and download the Enel X Way app. And here you can search for Enel X Way charging stations.

Tip: There are some free charging stations in northern Italy, e.g. along the Brenner Pass.

Parking

In some cities you can park your electric car for free, e.g. in Rome in the blue marked car parks. To take advantage of this, you must usually email the relevant authority in advance with your licence plate number (or a copy of your vehicle registration). Otherwise you risk a fine. Passes are not issued.

Check the regulations at your holiday destination.

Restricted traffic zones (ZTL)

With an electric car, you can drive freely in many limited traffic zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato) in Italy. In some cities, this also applies to hybrid cars.

The condition is that the electric vehicle is registered. This means that the number plate or a copy of the registration document must be sent in advance to the relevant office in the city or municipality.

If you have forgotten to register your EV and receive a fine notice, you may be able to successfully appeal.

Depending on how the municipality has regulated its ZTL, the exemption for electric cars may be taken into account and the fine may be withdrawn.

Congestion charge

Electric vehicles are exempt from congestion charges in Milan, Palermo and Bologna.

Subsidies and taxes

The purchase of electric and hybrid cars is encouraged in Italy. In 2023, the premiums will be between 2,000 and 7,500 euros. The maximum amount assumes the scrapping of the end-of-life vehicle.

E-cars are exempt from vehicle tax for 5 years. After that there is a 75% discount.

Charging

Public charging stations are not yet widespread in Croatia. Charging stations can only be found along the coast at intervals of about 50 km and in larger towns. Make sure you always have enough power; if there are problems with one charging station, you can drive to another.

It is advisable to register with a local provider (e.g. Hrvatski Telekom or elen). You can do this from home.

Subsidies and taxes

There are always subsidy programmes for the purchase of electric vehicles in Croatia. In the past, the funds were always used up very quickly.

Charging

Public charging stations are available throughout Latvia. Fast charging is also available. The largest operator is CSDD.

Parking

Parking for electric cars is free in Riga and Liepāja.

Other things

You can use the bus lane with an electric car.

In the high season, electric cars can enter Jurmala free of charge.

Subsidies and taxes

In Latvia there is a purchase bonus for new electric vehicles of €4,500. For used Stromer this is €2,250. There is an additional subsidy of €1000 for the scrapping of the end-of-life vehicle. There is also the possibility of getting an additional discount from the car dealer.

E-cars are exempt from vehicle tax. The first registration of an electric car is free of charge, as is the licence plate.

Charging

Public charging stations are available throughout Lithuania. Fast charging is also available.

The largest providers are Ignitis ON (with charging points mainly in Vilnius) and Elinta Charge.

Parking

In some cities, e.g. Vilnius or Kaunas, you can park your EV for free in metered car parks.

Financial support

In Lithuania there is a purchase premium for new e-cars of €5,000. When buying a used e-car there is 2000 euros. Anyone who has their old vehicle scrapped will receive an additional 1,000 euros.

Charging

Luxembourg has a well-developed network of charging stations. The largest operator is Chargy.

Parking

In Luxembourg City, you usually have to pay extra for parking while charging at public charging stations.

Financial support

In Luxembourg, buyers of electric cars receive a bonus of up to €8,000.

Miscellaneous

If you remain on the road with an empty battery, you risk a fine of €74.

Charging

There are enough public charging points in Malta. There are only type 2 plugs.

The largest network is “innogy eRoaming”.

Registration via the "Charge my Ride" app simplifies the payment process.

Note: Parking is scarce in Malta. Public e-charging points are often misused as parking spaces by combustion engines. Expect this.

Parking

EVs can park for free in some areas. Pay attention to signs.

Subsidies and taxes

Residents of Malta receive a grant of up to €11,000 for the purchase of an electric car. There is an additional bonus of €1,000 for scrapping an old internal combustion engine.

Electric cars are exempt from road tax in Malta.

Charging

The Netherlands has a very large network of public charging stations. Quick charging is easily possible along the main roads.

Charging points have also been installed in many car parks.

The largest network is Shell Recharge (formerly NewMotion).

Parking

In the Netherlands, you usually have to pay for parking while charging at public charging points. In some smaller cities, however, you do not have to pay for parking while charging.

Subsidies and taxes

The purchase of a new e-car is subsidized with up to €2,950 for vehicles under €45,000. There is a maximum of €2,000 for used vehicles.

In the Netherlands, there is no road tax for electric vehicles.

Charging

Norway has the densest and most reliable charging network in Europe, with numerous fast charging stations. E-vehicles are so widespread that waiting times can be expected.

The largest operators are Fortum Norway and Mer Norway.

Fortum Finland and Fortum Sweden charge cards are also accepted in Norway.

Parking

In some cities, the prices for electric vehicles in public car parks are reduced (by at least 50%). This also applies to tourists. However, private car parks and multi-storey car parks charge a fee.

Pay attention to the information on the parking signs, the details of the fees and the time restrictions.

Additional benefits

There is a 50% discount for fully electric vehicles when travelling by ferry. To qualify, you must inform the ticket seller that you are driving an electric car.

On toll motorways you pay a maximum of 70% of the toll fee for your e-car, sometimes the toll roads are also free of charge.

It is possible to use the bus or taxi lane. Any restrictions imposed by local authorities must be respected.

Read more about the advantages for EV drivers at elbil.no

Subsidies

When buying an electric car, a small purchase/import tax will be due from 2023. Until then, they were tax-free. And VAT of 25 percent is charged if the purchase price is over NOK 500,000.

From 2023, the full vehicle tax will be due for electric cars.

Charging

You can drive through Austria in an electric car with confidence. In addition to an extensive network of charging points, there are also a large number of fast-charging stations.

The largest networks include TANKE WienEnergie and EVN.

Various supermarkets and retailers offer free charging facilities. Note that you will also need special apps or charging cards.

Parking

At public e-charging stations, such as in Vienna, you do not have to pay a parking fee as long as your EV is charging.

In many cities, EVs can park for free in short-term parking zones. E-cars with Austrian licence plates or residents with a "Parkpickerl" benefit from this. A parking disc is also required.

Additional benefits

Electric vehicles are exempt from the environmental speed limit on motorways. Instead of 100 km/h, 130 km/h are allowed, e.g. on the A12 Inntal motorway and the A1 Westautobahn. This also applies to foreign drivers of electric vehicles, but not to hybrid vehicles. The vehicle must have an electric number plate.

Subsidies and taxes

The purchase of a new electric vehicle in Austria is subsidised with up to €5,000. Charging stations can be subsidised up to €1,800. More information at klimafonds.gv.at

There are also tax benefits. E-vehicles are not subject to the standard fuel consumption tax, i.e. the one-off tax to be paid when purchasing or registering the electric vehicle for the first time does not apply. E-cars are also not subject to the motor vehicle-related insurance tax levied by the insurance company.

More information on the website of the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Charging

The network of public charging stations in Poland is relatively sparse, especially in rural areas. A third of the stations are fast chargers.

Make sure you always have enough charge; if there are problems with one station, you can drive to another.

The largest charging networks in Poland are Orlen Charge and Greenway.

Parking

You can park for free in public car parks during charging.

Paid public car parks in towns and cities are also free for electric cars.

However, commercial operators charge for parking an EV.

Other advantages

In cities, you can use the bus lane with your electric car.

In the centre of Wroclaw and Krakow, electric vehicles are also allowed on some car-free streets, e.g. pedestrian zones. Pay attention to the signs.

Subsidies 

The purchase of new EVs is subsidised in Poland. Support for used EVs is also planned.

Private individuals receive a subsidy of up to PLN 18,750 (≈ EUR 3,980), families with three or more children up to PLN 27,000 (≈ EUR 5,726). Other beneficiaries (companies, legal entities, etc.) can expect a purchase bonus of up to PLN 70,000 (≈ EUR 14,865).

Charging

In Portugal, there are charging points at regular intervals along the main roads. However, there are fewer charging points in rural areas and towns.

Plan a sufficient buffer so that you have enough power to reach an alternative station in case of problems.

The largest providers are MOBI.E and Tesla Destination Charging.

Parking

In Portugal, free parking for electric vehicles is available in certain areas. A blue sticker must be displayed on the windscreen. This is available from all regional offices of the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes).

In Lisbon, you can buy a green parking disc for 12 euros, which allows you to park for free in all public car parks for one year.

Subsidies and taxes

The purchase of a pure electric car is subsidised with up to 4,000 euros.

E-cars are exempt from registration and vehicle tax in Portugal. See mobie.pt for more information

Charging

In Romania, the network of public charging stations is not yet very dense. Make sure you always have enough power; if there are problems with one charging point, you can drive to another.

The largest operator is Renovatio e-charge.

Parking

In Bucharest, you can park for free in public car parks if you have registered your hybrid and electric vehicles in advance. Read more about the procedure at e-juridic.manager.ro.

Subsidies and taxes

There is a premium of between €4,500 and €9,000 for the purchase of a new electric car in Romania. If you scrap your old car (Euro 3 or worse), you will receive the maximum subsidy.

Owners of electric vehicles do not pay road tax.

Charging

The network of public charging points in Sweden is very well developed. However, there are fewer charging points in the north than in the south. Fast chargers can be found throughout the country.

The largest associations in Sweden are Mer Sweden, Fortum Sweden and inCharge.

Fortum Norway and Fortum Finland charge cards are also widely accepted.

Parking

In some areas in Sweden, electric cars can park for free. Otherwise, there are parking spaces and multi-storey car parks with charging points for e-car drivers in various cities.

In Stockholm, for example, you pay for parking and can charge for free. For more information, see stockholmparkering.se.

Incentives and taxes

Sweden promotes the purchase of electric cars. 

Buyers must apply to the state for a climate bonus. See transportstyrelsen.se for more information.

In addition, there is a lower vehicle tax for low-emission cars.

Charging

You can drive through Switzerland in an electric car with confidence. In addition to an extensive network of charging points, there are also a large number of fast-charging stations.

The biggest providers in Switzerland are evpass and swisscharge.

Parking

There are charging points for electric cars in many car parks in Switzerland. There is usually a charge for both parking and charging. The same usually applies to public outdoor charging points.

Subsidies and taxes

There is no general purchase incentive for EVs in Switzerland. However, there are various support programmes in the individual cantons and municipalities.

In addition, EV drivers enjoy advantages in terms of vehicle tax. From 2024, however, the tax advantages for e-cars are to be abolished.

Charging

Public charging stations are available throughout Slovakia. Outside Bratislava, however, there are few fast chargers.

The biggest providers are ZSE and greenway.

Parking

Parking in public car parks is free for as long as you are charging. After that, parking fees are charged.

In some cities there are reduced parking fees for e-cars.

Subsidies and taxes

Slovakia subsidizes the purchase of a new electric car with 8000 euros.

Owners of electric cars enjoy vehicle tax benefits.

Charging

Charging points are available throughout Slovenia. However, there are few fast chargers.

One of the leading providers of charging services is Elektro Ljubljana.

Parking

You do not have to pay for parking at public charging points while you are charging.

Subsidies and taxes

Slovenia grants subsidies for the purchase of an electric car. The maximum amount is €7,500.

Owners of electric cars pay reduced road tax.

Charging

The density of public charging stations in Spain varies greatly from region to region. For longer journeys across the country, you should allow a sufficient buffer to ensure you have enough power to reach an alternative station in the event of a problem.

The largest networks are Tesla Destination Charging, FeniEnergia and Iberdrota.

Parking

In some cities, EVs are exempt from parking fees.

In Barcelona, for example, in the blue parking zones. To take advantage of this, you must first register with endolla.barcelona. You will then receive a card that you can use to select a free ticket at a public car park machine. Find out more about the procedure at areaverda.cat.

Find out in advance about the parking regulations at your holiday destination.

Subsidies and taxes

Spain subsidises the purchase of electric cars with up to €9,000. The amount of the subsidy depends on the model of vehicle purchased and whether an old internal combustion engine is being phased out. A 15% income tax deduction for buyers of electric cars is also under discussion.

There is no registration fee for electric cars and there are benefits in terms of road tax.

Charging

Public charging stations are available throughout the Czech Republic. Fast chargers can also be found along the main roads.

CEZ and premobilita are among the largest operators.

Parking

If you have registered your electric vehicle in the Czech Republic and have an "EL" licence plate, you can park for free in Prague's blue and purple zones.

Owners of hybrid cars can obtain a parking permit for 100 crowns per year from the relevant office in Prague.

Find out more at parkujvklidu.cz.

Subsidies and taxes

E-cars are exempt from road tax.

Charging

In Hungary, there are enough public charging points along the main roads. Otherwise, the network is patchy. Make sure you always have enough power; if there are problems with one station, you can always drive to another.

The biggest operators are MOL Plugee and mobiliti.

Parking

Parking is free at public charging points during charging hours.

If you have registered your electric car in Hungary, you can park anywhere in Budapest for free.

Subsidies and taxes

The purchase of a new or used electric car is encouraged. The maximum subsidy for private individuals is 7350 euros.
E-cars are exempt from registration fees and annual road tax.

Charging

In Cyprus, electric car drivers can register with EAC to use the charging stations in public places. So far there are 33. Another 40 charging stations will follow by the end of 2022.

Read more at eac.com.cy

Parking

In some towns and cities, there are free parking spaces for EVs. To use them, you must apply to the relevant authority.

Subsidies and taxes

The purchase of e-cars is promoted with a purchase bonus. Buyers must submit an application for this. E-cars are exempt from the registration fee and there is a lower vehicle tax. Visit mcw.gov.cy for more information