Prague Drives Towards a Greener Future with Over 1 000 New EV Charging Stations by 2026

Prague is accelerating its efforts towards a greener future, with its municipal technology company, Technology of the Capital City of Prague (THMP), planning to install over 1 000 charging stations for electric cars by 2026. This ambitious initiative aims to expand the city's electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and encourage more drivers to adopt eco-friendly transport.

Currently, limited access to charging stations has discouraged many drivers from switching to electric vehicles. As of the end of 2023, there were only around 2 400 charging points across Czechia, serving approximately 22 000 fully electric cars. This figure is modest compared to the total number of vehicles on Czech roads. Furthermore, the country remains heavily reliant on diesel, with more diesel cars sold here than in any other EU country, and just one in four new cars being electric.

Prague is keen to change this dynamic. THMP, the company responsible for the city's public lighting, is leading several projects to facilitate the availability of charging points. One such project, in the Vinohrady district, has already introduced 13 ‘charging lamps’—streetlights equipped with charging units. These roadside lamps have dedicated parking spaces, allowing drivers to charge their cars, though a full charge can take up to eight hours.

THMP CEO, Tomáš Jílek, elaborated on the city’s investment in EV infrastructure: “Electro-mobility, figuratively speaking, is moving the world forward, and Prague doesn’t want to be left behind. Two years ago, we recognised that the city’s network of public lighting provided an ideal opportunity to install chargers for electric cars.”

At present, much of the work is focused underground. “The project is mainly below the surface at this stage,” Jílek added. “Prague’s 5 500 kilometres of roads require appropriately powerful electric cables to support the charging points, and that’s what we’re working on at the moment.”

THMP’s initiatives go beyond charging lamps. The company has also installed the country’s first solar-powered carport in the Palmovka district. This ‘solar shelter’ accommodates 12 vehicles, while its roof generates solar power to charge electric cars underneath. Beyond serving as a charging station, it also produces clean energy for the local area.

However, some challenges remain for electric car owners. From 1 January 2025, they will lose the free parking privileges granted since 2019. Moving forward, free parking in paid zones will only be available while the car is actively charging. Nevertheless, electric vehicles will continue to benefit from discounted parking permits in the city’s purple zones and can park free of charge in blue zones for 15 or 30 minutes.

As Prague advances with these plans, the initiatives represent significant steps towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. With over 1 000 charging stations in development, the city is paving the way for an electric future, making it easier for drivers to go green and helping to reduce the capital’s carbon footprint.

Author: Jonathan De Vriendt

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.