Technology Collaboration Programme by:
Technology Collaboration Programme by:
Menu
In 2024, Belgium’s electric mobility sector faced setbacks and progress. The closure of Audi Brussels halted local production of the Q8 e-tron, causing major job losses and weakening Belgium’s role in premium EV manufacturing. Van Hool’s bankruptcy further raised concerns about losing domestic electric bus expertise. However, Dutch firm VDL acquired key Van Hool assets, preserving some innovation and jobs, though the event underscored the sector’s industrial fragility.
Despite setbacks, VDL’s Roeselare site sustained e-bus production, reinforcing Belgium’s role in Europe’s electric bus market. Volvo Cars in Ghent continued building EVs like the XC40 Recharge and C40, while Volvo Trucks advanced electric heavy-duty models, boosting Belgium’s zero-emission transport industry.
Electric vehicle adoption rose steadily in 2024, driven by early incentives, more model choices, and better charging infrastructure. Though the Flemish zero emission premium ended later in the year, over 18,000 grants worth €70 million boosted the market. Growth was further supported by strong consumer confidence and tax benefits for zero-emission company cars.
Charging infrastructure grew rapidly, with Flanders surpassing its 2025 target by reaching over 60,000(semi-)public charging points. Fast chargers were installed every 25 km along key routes, with further expansion ongoing. Public concessions and local planning were key drivers of this growth.
Policy Developments and Regulatory Changes
In 2024, the Flemish Government launched a successful zero-emission premium, granting over18,000 incentives worth €70 million before the new government ended the scheme, signaling a shift in fiscal priorities. The new Regulatory Agreement also proposed reintroducing road taxes for EVs, previously exempt, with potential links to ETS2 (the second EU Emissions Trading System) and broader tax reforms.
While these changes could impact EV ownership costs, their effects remain uncertain. Meanwhile, a draft framework was created to implement the EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), with a final plan expected in 2025 to guide regional clean mobility efforts.
Innoptus Solar Team
Charging Infrastructure for Heavy-Duty EVs
Remote-Driven Rental Cars (Port of Antwerp-Bruges)
SE-MoRE Project
By the end of 2024, Flanders exceeded its electric vehicle charging infrastructure target, installing around60,000 (semi-)public charging points, surpassing the 2025 goal of 35,000 Charging Point Equivalents (CPE).
In April 2024, the Government launched a call to enhance charging infrastructure for heavy-duty electric vehicles, selecting 19 projects and providing €3 million in support. These projects focus on standalone and semi-public charging systems, including battery swap stations and smart energy software for load balancing.
The growth of the heavy-duty transport sector is driven by lower battery prices, more electric truck models, and wider availability, reducing investment barriers for operators. 33 companies submitted 40 proposals, mostly focused on public charging along key highways, managed by Charge Point Operators. Other projects aim to support semi-public stations integrating renewable energy and smart grid applications. The19 approved projects will deliver 1,390 CPE, helping exceed 10,000 CPE for heavy-duty vehicles by 2025.
The 2023/2024 project calls revealed many companies prefer electric trucks from a single manufacturer due to a lack of standardisation and interoperability among vehicle software, emphasising the need for integrated software, reservations, energy flows, and planning. To address this, the Government launched the VIAVIA project, promoting sustainable freight transport across road, water, and air, while encouraging a shift to rail and in land waterway transport. A taskforce is developing along-term zero-emission freight strategy to comply with the EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) by 2025, 2030, and 2035.
The public concession for charging stations on public land has been extended until October 2025. During2024, over 5,000 new charging points were ordered, with 3,000 operational. Most were initiated through municipal proposals, with 54% based on strategic location planning. In total, 278 local governments submitted proposals, showing strong municipal engagement.
A new regulatory agreement focuses on charger placement and smart charging strategies. A study by BBL and Fluvius explored the potential for charging hubs across Flanders, with preparations for the next public concessions in October 2025. Fast charger deployment has progressed, with the first round for fast charging stations completed. Flanders has achieved its goal of installing one fast charger every 25kilometresalong main highways, with all 130 service zones to be equipped by 2025. Heavy-duty charging sites are operational, including two in Antwerp and one in Peutie. A zero-emission freight transport study has started to assess infrastructure needs and inform long term planning. These show Flanders’ coordinated approach to becoming a leader in electric mobility with public investment and strategic planning for a zero emission transport system.
