Do you own an electric vehicle? Or are you considering buying one? You’ll be in good company, with 40 million EVs on roads around the world.
Transitioning away from internal combustion engines (ICE) is part of every country’s sustainability goals and a major component in reducing global carbon emissions. In Norway, for instance, 90% of new cars purchased in 2023 were electric. Along with aggressive zero-emissions goals, Norway has also invested heavily in charging infrastructure, provided significant incentives to spur EV ownership, and placed burdensome taxes on ICE vehicles – all of which remove many of the barriers other countries’ citizens face when choosing between conventional and electric cars.
Chinese drivers are also rapidly adopting EVs. As of October 2024, China accounts for nearly two-thirds of the world’s EV sales. About 40% of all vehicles purchased there are electric. The country’s evolved manufacturing capabilities and battery technology create solid, attractively priced vehicles.
National and regional legislation sets goals and provides funding while also shaping consumer behavior. In Europe, the Alternate Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) of 2024 ensures support of adequate recharging stations across EU members, with compatible equipment and payment options. In the U.S., 2023’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) issues regulations and federal funding to develop the national EV charging network, working with states.
But even with monetary incentives and regulatory guidelines, infrastructure is still a concern for many drivers. What if you are moving to one of these countries, or some other, and plan to drive an EV?
Consider your choice of home. In a detached house, you’ll need to assess the need for some electrical work for a charging outlet, either a plug with adequate voltage or a wall unit that can charge your vehicle overnight. When apartment shopping, look for buildings that offer ample parking spaces for EV charging.
Public charger availability is another factor, given your commute and expected mileage for errands and trips. In most metropolitan areas, public chargers are concentrated in urban neighborhoods, with fewer in the suburbs and fewer still in rural areas. Tools like PlugShare can help you find the location and details of charging stations near you.
Finally, check the plug types used in your host country. Tesla’s plug and connector configuration has not been compatible with other manufacturers, though that is changing. For other EVs, the AC and DC (for fast charging) outlets differ a bit across regions.
Whatever you decide about your personal vehicle, rest assured that a growing number of cities around the world are converting their municipal and public transportation fleets to hybrid or fully electric vehicles. One step – and one set of wheels – at a time, we are all contributing to a cleaner planet.
Find resources on sustainable travel options like EVs in the International Relocation Center’s ‘Reference Pro’ section, as well as a growing body of country-specific content about the local availability of EVs and charging infrastructure in our destination reports
Written by Ellen Harris, GMS, Product Manager, Content Group
