EU reaches deal to roll out charging points across bloc

European Union negotiators agreed to roll out electric and hydrogen charging points across the region over the next few years in a bid to help spur the transition away from the combustion engine.

The European Parliament and member states reached a late-night deal to put in place electric charging stations for cars at least every 60 km (37 miles) on key roads by 2026, and for trucks at 120 km intervals — half of which should be in place by 2028.

By 2031, hydrogen refueling stations should be deployed at least every 200 km.

"The agreement will send a clear signal to citizens and other stakeholders that user-friendly recharging infrastructure and refuelling stations for alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, will be installed throughout the EU," Andreas Carlson, the Swedish minister for infrastructure and housing, said in a EU statement.

Sweden currently holds the bloc's presidency.

The deal comes the same week as a landmark agreement was reached to make sure all new cars sold in the EU are emissions-free by 2035.

A lack of charging infrastructure is seen as one of the main factors holding back that transition, with drivers citing a lack of range.

The new rules will “ensure that driving and charging a new generation car is as simple and convenient as one that depends on petrol,” said Ismail Ertug, the lawmaker responsible for the negotiations.

“We have to decarbonize the transport sector, which is still responsible for a huge bulk of emissions.”

The EU also wants to make sure 90 percent of heavy-duty vehicles have zero emissions by 2040.

Reuters contributed to this report