Rising number of electric vehicles intensifies competition for charging stations in North Jutland, Denmark

The number of charging stations in North Jutland, Denmark, has increased significantly, but so has the number of electric vehicles (EVs) competing for charging points. This creates a potential challenge, notably for the many summer visitors to the region, who may face ‘charging stress’.

In municipalities such as Hjørring, Frederikshavn, and Aalborg, which attract numerous tourists, the number of charging stations has doubled. However, these stations are unevenly distributed, and the increase in EVs intensifies the competition for charging space.

As of the end of June this year, the number of EVs in North Jutland has nearly doubled. Nationally, the increase is even more significant, from 146,245 EVs this time last year to 261,474 this year.

Consumer economist Illyas Dogru advises EV owners to plan their trips well and consider charging at alternative locations. For example, if one is planning a trip to Skagen, the northernmost city in Denmark, it’s important to note that there are not many fast chargers available.

Dogru emphasizes the importance of ‘charging etiquette’, urging drivers not to occupy charging stations for longer than necessary.

As of June 30, 2024, there were 261,474 electric cars in Denmark, a significant increase from 146,245 at the same time in 2023 and even more so compared to 88,330 in 2022. The number of charging points is also increasing sharply. At the end of March this year, there were over 21,000 publicly available charging points in Denmark, almost double the number from the same time last year.

Each year, thousands of tourists from Denmark, Norway, Germany, and other countries flock to North Jutland for everything from swimming to hiking. For this to continue, the number of ‘safe harbors’ for EV drivers with ‘range anxiety’ and ‘charging stress’ needs to keep pace with the number of EVs on the roads.

Peter Krusborg, the tourism director for Visit Nordvestkysten, which covers the west coast from Thorsminde to Tversted, argues that charging infrastructure needs to keep pace with the growth of EVs if North Jutland is to continue attracting tourists.

One of the Norwegian tourists who has traveled to North Jutland in his EV, Kjetil Sletten, has had to spend extra time planning his route to ensure his vehicle remains charged. He notes that while Norway has plenty of fast chargers, Denmark does not have enough, and many are not powerful enough.