Roadmap for Circular Charging Infrastructure Offers Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

The collaborating parties are creating a roadmap that should be ready by the end of 2025. It outlines the steps to achieve a circular charging infrastructure. The roadmap clarifies who can do what and when. 

Circularity Reduces Dependency 

“A circular charging infrastructure is a prerequisite for being able to transport and charge emission-free (electric) vehicles by 2050,” says Challenge Specialist Claire van der Hulst from RVO, who works on the task of Sustainable Mobility. 

“The charging system of the future is thus less dependent on increasingly scarce (critical) raw materials,” adds Richard de Kam. As chair of the product team developing the circular charging infrastructure roadmap, De Kam explains: “If we use raw materials wisely and encourage reuse and circularity in the design, we reduce our dependence on critical raw materials. In this roadmap, we focus on projects that can already start in the coming years. Specifically, to achieve that circular 2050.” 

Opportunities for Dutch Companies 

“We see Dutch companies with a lot of knowledge and entrepreneurship, which is needed to develop a circular charging infrastructure. An early focus on circularity can contribute to a strong position for the Netherlands and Europe in the future charging infrastructure market,” says Claire van der Hulst.

Richard de Kam: “A challenge and an opportunity is the rapid growth of the number of charging points. If you design these circularly at an early stage, it yields significant environmental benefits and cost savings. Another challenge that also presents opportunities is the young, innovative charging sector itself. Designs change frequently. For example, when cybersecurity components are added. If components are not replaceable or cannot be updated via software, this shortens the lifespan of the charging station. But if you incorporate modularity and reuse directly into the design, it offers opportunities. New European legislation also encourages manufacturers to develop circular charging stations. Think of material passports and the Ecodesign directive.” 

Contributing to the Roadmap 

A five-member team is working on the first draft of the roadmap. In addition to RVO and NKL, it includes energy technology company Alfen, EV charging manufacturer Ecotap-Legrand, and Cenex Netherlands as a representative of the EV industry association DOET. “We are not just making the roadmap behind the drawing board,” clarifies Van der Hulst. “We are doing this together with the broad sector and involved parties. This way, the plan leads to action.” 

On behalf of the product team, her invitation is: “Do you work in the production of charging stations or components, or are you an operator of charging infrastructure? Your knowledge and experience are invaluable for the roadmap. Would you like to think along and work on the roadmap? Then we would love to get in touch. We also invite you to meetings that we will organize in the coming months.”