10.10.2025

EV charging network expands — heavy transport up next

Electricity Infrastructure and digitalization Smart City Smart Mobility

The electrification of transport aims for significant emission reductions. Electric driving has become increasingly common in Finland: by the end of June 2025, rechargeable vehicles accounted for 11.5% of all cars on the road. Of newly registered passenger cars, as many as 56% were plug-in models.

The electrification of transport also requires investment in charging infrastructure. In Finland, the Act (733/2020) mandates the installation of electric vehicle charging points in connection with buildings under certain conditions. In addition, the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) will, from 2026 onwards, introduce further requirements for the provision of charging points and charging readiness in parking areas. The rapid expansion of the public charging network has also facilitated the transition to electric vehicles.

Heavy transport goes electric next

Heavy transport is also expected to go electric, as it accounts for roughly one-third of road transport emissions. However, the expansion of charging infrastructure has been slow, since market-driven development has not been economically viable. In addition, the capacity of the electricity grid is in many places too limited to meet the demands of high-power charging.

Despite the slow start, bottlenecks are expected to disappear over the next decade. The EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) requires member states to build a high-power charging network for heavy-duty transport along main roads, and in Finland, development is also being accelerated through national support programs and pilot projects. The first high-power charging stations for heavy vehicles have already opened, and the pace of development is set to increase.

“Short-distance logistics will electrify first”

Sami Takkinen, Nodeon’s specialist in electrical design has witnessed firsthand the development of heavy-duty charging stations over his career, particularly in logistics for ports and chain restaurants.

– Maintaining logistics fleets is more cost-effective in the long term with electric vehicles, but long charging times still limit long-distance transport. That’s why I believe short-distance logistics—such as local port operations and intra-city transport—will electrify first.

He also sees opportunities for more sustainable operations through the use of renewable energy:

– Solar panels and battery storage at charging sites enable self-generation of electricity and reduce dependence on grid capacity. This can also help smooth out spikes in electricity prices.

Nodeon helps with charging station electrical design

The electrification of transport is increasing the demand for both private and public charging infrastructure. Experienced electrical design expertise ensures the safe, reliable, and scalable deployment of charging stations.

Nodeon is a technology specialist focused on smart infrastructure, smart mobility, and smart cities. Our design and engineering services cover a wide range of electrical solutions for parking areas, including EV charging points as well as lighting, heating, data networks, planning, and monitoring systems.

Learn more about our electrical design services