The development of environmental-friendly transport in Ukraine is being held back by the absence of a regulated market for electric charging stations, according to the Better Regulation Delivery Office (BRDO), set up in Ukraine with the support of EU4Business and the FORBIZ project. If proper infrastructure is to be developed, it is necessary to create transparent conditions for connection to electricity grids, to define through legislation the goods that are on the market, to regulate the status of the charger, the electric charging station, etc.
The BRDO has conducted a thorough analysis of the regulation of this sector, which is at the intersection of the transport and energy sectors. The study revealed additional barriers to the development of electric cars, which cannot be eliminated at the level of secondary legislation. So, in order to systematise the market of electric-charging stations and integrate it with the electricity market, the BRDO developed a concept for the development of the market of electric-charging stations (ECS).
"Consumers’ preferences are changing rapidly. Now every one in a hundred cars sold in the world is an electric car, but in 2040 it will be every second car. In Ukraine, the share of electric cars is much smaller – it is about 4,000, serviced by 1,500 ECSs. The EFC infrastructure is not developed, so consumers prefer traditional modes of transport. And this damages the environment, increases dependence on imports of energy resources and holds back Ukraine's integration into world trade. We need to create a reliable infrastructure and encourage consumers to use the latest technologies," said the head of the BRDO’s energy sector Alexei Orzhel, during a presentation of the document, held on December 14 at the Interfax News Agency in Kyiv.
The concept for the development of the market for electric charging stations provides, in particular:
- Setting up ECS on each 10th parking lot in large parking areas.
- Free access for suppliers and consumers of electricity to the ECSs.
- Ability to buy and sell electricity online.
- Transparent procedure for the interaction of ECS operators with local authorities, simplifying the procedure for obtaining permits and accompanying documents.
Moreover, the concept provides for a complete digitalisation of the process. So, in a single application, the user will be able automatically to find an ECS, track free parking with an electric charger, get information on prices for services, and so on.
Funded by the European Union under the EU4Business initiative, the FORBIZ project supports Ukraine’s reform agenda and its economic recovery by proposing a systemic, smart change to a more business-friendly environment with a particular focus on SMEs. The project seeks to steer a shift in policy towards greater recognition of SMEs and the vital role they play in economic recovery, while addressing the challenge of reducing regulatory burden and lessening risk for businesses.