The Italian government is aiming to accelerate the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure through its new Competition Bill. The draft legislation includes grants of up to €60,000 for fuel station operators that convert traditional filling stations into EV charging hubs or biofuel refuelling facilities.

From 1 January 2028, new fuel station licences will only be granted to facilities offering at least one alternative fuel, such as electric charging, hydrogen or biofuels, in line with the EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR).

To support the transition, the government has allocated €112 million for the period 2028–2030. The grants will cover up to 50% of eligible costs, including the removal of conventional fuel pumps and the installation of fast-charging infrastructure with a minimum output of 90 kW, as well as grid connections, electrical substations and energy storage systems.

In rural and inland areas, financial support will be available only if EV charging or biofuel facilities are added while maintaining conventional fuel pumps, ensuring continuity of service. In these cases, the maximum grant will be €30,000.

The funding will come from Italy’s Fuel Network Transition Fund, financed through revenues generated by the auctioning of EU carbon emission allowances.

The measure aims to expand the country’s public charging network and support the decarbonisation of road transport. However, industry experts note that increasing the number of charging stations alone will not be enough to accelerate EV adoption. More competitive public charging prices will also be essential to encourage drivers to switch to electric vehicles.

The appointment for industry operators is at E-Charge 2026, the trade fair dedicated to the EV charging industry and market, charging stations, technologies, infrastructure, and services, scheduled from 7 to 9 October 2026 at Bologna Exhibition Center.

It will take place as part of Urban Tech – The Urban Technology Show, the new event dedicated to e-mobility, traffic, commuting, security, telecom & data, and environment.