Israeli EV Owners Face Steep Public Charging Costs, Report Finds
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
A Knesset Research Center report reveals that Israelis pay up to 3.5 times more for fast public electric vehicle charging than for home charging. The report also notes market concentration among a few companies and underutilization of government subsidies. Delays in implementing credit card payment terminals and uncertainty over future government policies are also cited as reasons for slowing EV sales.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Fast public EV charging in Israel costs up to 3.5 times more than home charging, a Knesset report found.
- Three companies control 59% of Israel's EV charging infrastructure market.
- Government subsidies for charging stations are only 69% utilized.
- Mandatory credit card payment terminals at EV charging stations are delayed until 2027-2028.
- High public charging costs and policy uncertainty are hindering EV sales in Israel.
Electric vehicle owners in Israel are paying significantly more for public charging than for home charging, according to a report by the Knesset Research Center. The report, obtained by Ynet and the "Mammon" financial supplement of "Yedioth Ahronoth," indicates that fast charging (DC) at public stations costs an average of 2.24 shekels per kilowatt-hour, and can reach up to 2.70 shekels. This is approximately 3.5 times the cost of charging at home, which is set at 0.64 shekels per kilowatt-hour. Slower public charging (AC) stations are priced at 1.25 shekels per kilowatt-hour, double the home rate. Some charging station operators implement higher tariffs during peak electricity consumption hours, between 5 PM and 10 PM.
The report also highlights a concentration of the charging infrastructure market, with three major companies, Afcon, EvEdge, and Sonol, controlling 59% of the market. Out of a total of 8,070 individual charging points for electric vehicles nationwide, this consolidation raises concerns about potential unchecked price increases, particularly in areas where a single operator might gain full control. The Israel Electric Authority, which licenses operators, stated it sees no issue with market centralization, while the Antitrust Authority has yet to issue findings but has warned of "geographic centralization" risks.
Despite government subsidies allocated for charging stations between 2019 and 2025, only 69% of the 21.4 million shekels have been utilized. Furthermore, a decision by the Electric Authority to mandate credit card payment terminals at all stations, aimed at simplifying the charging process for consumers, has been delayed. New stations will be required to comply by 2027, and existing ones by 2028.
The report also points to several factors contributing to a slowdown in electric vehicle sales in Israel, including increased taxes and fees, underutilization of charging potential at private parking lots, high public charging rates, and consumer uncertainty regarding future government policies.
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