Brussels converts more lampposts into EV charging stations

In the Brussels Capital Region, network operator Sibelga is converting streetlights into charging stations for EVs. BRUZZ and L’Echo/De Tijd, among others, report this. Such solutions should reduce the impact of charging points on public spaces.

Some 40 such charging points are already operational, located in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, the City of Brussels, and Uccle. Another ten or so should be added by July of this year.

Less space

The charging points have a capacity comparable to classic charging stations, namely 7.4 to 11 kW. The advantage of these so-called charging lanterns is that they take up less space compared to a classic charging point, which usually requires a classic parking lot or even two.

Moreover, they are also cheaper to install; no new infrastructure needs to be set up, or cable pulled, for example, because Sibelga performs the installation work during street lighting renewal.

Delay in rollout

Sibelga is currently behind schedule with the planned rollout of 1,200 new charging points by February 2025. There will be about 800. For the reason to this delay, Sibelga is pointing to the local governments.

They were somewhat reluctant to issue the necessary permits during the election year. An extra charge point in the street means one less parking space for a non-electric car, and it is precisely because of this parking pressure that the local authorities are not always eager.

Rotation tariff

Sibelga also wants to introduce a rotation tariff in Brussels in 2025. When your car is charged, you currently pay no parking fee, which is why many motorists occupy the spot longer than planned, according to BRUZZ.

Sibelga calculated that a driver charges an average of 2.5 hours but occupies a charging spot for 6.5 hours. With the new incremental rate, those who stick to a charging point for too long will have to pay extra. That system is already in place in several cities.

Sibelga wants to install 22,000 public charging points in the Brussels Capital Region by 2035, 11,000 on public roads and 11,000 on semi-private sites. A sound 3,000 public charging points are installed, and the grid operator expects to meet the target with an average annual installation of 700 new charging points.