Sweden at fifth place in Europe in terms of the transition to electric vehicles

Sweden ends up in fifth place in this year's "EV Readiness Index" where LeasePlan charts which European countries are best prepared for the transition to electric cars. Sweden is one of the countries that has climbed the most compared to last year's survey. The countries that are best prepared according to the report are Norway, followed by the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

LeasePlan's "EV Readiness Index" is a survey and comprehensive analysis of how well prepared 22 European countries are for the transition to an electric vehicle fleet. The analysis is based on three factors: the number of registered electric cars, the expansion of the charging infrastructure and the governments' investments in each country.

Sweden is the country that has increased its score the most compared to last year's survey (+5 points) after Greece (+7 points) and Austria (+6 points). The report highlights that the expansion of the charging infrastructure continues to be the major brake on the electric car revolution, which in combination with a sharp increase in interest in electric cars among European drivers is creating a growing deficit in charging options.

- Even if electric car prices fall and electric cars are more affordable than ever, the expansion of the public charging infrastructure in Europe is far from sufficient, which greatly slows down the green transition. Despite the fact that more and more people drive on electricity, it is often hard to find an available charging station,says Marcio Hociko, CEO of LeasePlan Sweden and continues:

- It is of course fun to see that Sweden has increased the pace over the past year, thanks to improved charging infrastructure and government subsidies and tax breaks, but politicians and decision-makers in both Sweden and Europe must increase further and invest in a comprehensive charging infrastructure and it is urgent, the climate crisis is not on a break and driving on electricity is one of the most effective ways to combat it.

Key findings for 2020 include:

• Almost all countries in the survey have improved their results compared to last year, which means that Europe as a whole is taking steps forward in the transition to electric cars. However, it is still too slow and there are clear differences between Eastern and Western Europe both in terms of results and rate of improvement.

• Norway is ranked as best prepared for the transition to an electric vehicle fleet, the Czech Republic and Poland are the lowest ranked and Greece is the country that has taken the single largest step up compared to 2021.

• Electric cars have never been as affordable as now. This is mainly driven by lower electric prices for electric cars, especially compared to the sharply increased diesel and petrol prices, as well as more favorable taxation for electric car driver.

• The expansion of the charging infrastructure is still too slow and creates a growing deficit as more and more people acquire electric cars. Even in the highest-ranked countries, the charging infrastructure is far from sufficient.

What’s Next in EVs – Report The EV Readiness Index 2022 is published as part of LeasePlan’s new ‘EV Readiness Index' The report provides detailed insights into the latest trends, models and technology that will shape the EV industry in 2022, as well as in-depth analysis on the EV readiness of each country.