The New Wave of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Turkey: Decoding the Recent Government Decisions

The New Wave of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Turkey: Decoding the Recent Government Decisions

In the wake of an increasing global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), the government of Turkey has enacted new legislation to facilitate the growth of a robust EV charging infrastructure across the country. These decrees, published on July 28th and 29th, seek to establish clear regulations and stimulate increased investment in EV charging stations.

The First Step: Refined Regulations

On July 28, the existing Charging Service Regulation was amended. The amendment introduced the term "publicly available" to the existing regulation, providing clarity in the definition of a charging station. This change could pave the way for a more widespread adoption of public EV charging stations, a crucial aspect of promoting EV usage.

The amendment also removes the time limit for the application for renewal of the operating license, thereby offering more flexibility to operators.

The addition of a new provision to the regulation stipulates that if a charging network operator's license is revoked, neither the legal entity nor its major shareholders or board members (including those who resigned within a year prior to the revocation) can obtain a charging network operator's license, submit an application, hold shares directly or indirectly, or serve on the board of a legal entity applying for a license for three years.

Finally, existing license holders are given until January 31, 2024, to establish a charging network under the amended regulation.

The Second Step: Encouraging Infrastructure Development

On July 29, the Turkish government took a significant step to encourage the development of charging infrastructure by making amendments to the 'Regulation on Business Opening and Operating Licenses'. According to the amendments, stand-alone EV charging stations to be established on parcels designated as "electric vehicle charging station areas" will now require a business opening and operating license.

However, EV charging stations that will be established in other business places or collective buildings will need a location selection and activity permit, after which they will not need an additional business opening and operating license. This flexibility is expected to make it easier for businesses and organizations to establish charging stations, contributing to the expansion of the charging network.

For the metropolises, the metropolitan municipality will grant the business opening and working license and the site selection and activity permit for EV charging stations.

The revised regulation also outlines what can be included within the business premises of a stand-alone EV charging station. These may include administrative buildings, toilets, markets, tea houses, mosques, buffets, cafes, cafeterias, auto electrical shops, tire dealers, car wash and lubrication services.

The Path Ahead

With these new regulations, the Turkish government is taking decisive steps to create a thriving EV ecosystem. These legislative amendments will likely make it easier for businesses to set up EV charging stations, and promote the widespread adoption of electric vehicles across the country. By doing so, Turkey is not only improving its environmental sustainability, but also positioning itself to be a significant player in the global shift towards electric mobility.