The European Union has adopted a new law requiring member countries to install electric vehicle chargers on all motorways, at intervals of 60 kilometers. Automative industry insiders say this will mean instaling 6,000 new charging points a week between now and 2030.

The new legislations come as the electric car revolution is gathering pace in Europe. There are already more than 13 million cars and vans on the roads which are either electric or powered by alternative fuels. Analysts say that by 2050 there will be 10 times that number.

The EU's 'Fit for 55' initiative is designed to reduce greenhouse gas levels by 55 per cent before 2030 and ensure that by 2050 all 27 countries across the bloc are carbon neutral. The Commission has said it's a vital but highly ambitious programme.

Spanish Transport Minister, Raquel Sanchez Jimenez said: "The new law is a milestone of our 'Fit for 55' policy providing for more public recharging capacity on the streets in cities and along the motorways across Europe. 

"We are optimistic that in the near future, citizens will be able to charge their electric cars as easily as they do today in traditional petrol stations."

However, the current reality is very different for drivers here in Belgium. We drove 45 minutes out of Brussels to a motorway service station with a single stand of electric chargers and owners say they sometimes struggle to refuel their cars.

Motorists frequently cite the shortage of places to charge their vehicles as a major disincentive to go green and drivers of electric cars regularly vent their frustration on social media.

READ MORE

Why is the EU considering banning cigarette filters?

Why heatwaves cause crime waves

UK investigates defense emails sent to Mali by mistake

The new law will also force recharging station operators to provide full information to consumers on the availability, waiting time and prices at different stations.

According to European Union statistics, more than a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions are generated by the transport sector. Of that, the overwhelming majority – more than 70 percent – comes from road use and by far the biggest contributor is the private car.

With European electric car manufacturers ramping up production, car industry statistics show that last year, electric powered cars represented 15 percent of all sales – overtaking diesel for the first time ever.

Motoring organisations say it's now time for the charging network operators to show they can keep pace with demand or face a backlash from lawmakers and motorists.

Subscribe to Storyboard: A weekly newsletter bringing you the best of CGTN every Friday