Public charging stations are consolidating as a preferred option among electric vehicle drivers. A total of 82% of electric vehicles in Portugal already use the charging network located on roads, public streets, shopping centres or car parks, it was announced in a press release.
According to the same source, this is one of the conclusions drawn from a survey conducted by Iberdrola | bp pulse with several hundred Portuguese drivers aged between 25 and 75, which helps shed light on how they view one of the key elements behind the expansion of electric mobility.
This habit allows a larger number of users to choose to reduce their carbon footprint also on their summer trips. According to the survey, among the factors that users consider most important for turning to public charging during their journeys are: charging speed, at 26%, the location of charging points, 38%, and the reliability of the network, at 26%.
“The availability of charging points during our travels and at our holiday destination, as well as their reliability and high speed, are fundamental for the expansion of electric cars,” notes Ricardo Pacheco, Country Manager of Iberdrola | bp pulse in Portugal. “The success of electrification is already a reality thanks to networks like Iberdrola | bp pulse, which has more than 2,500 charging points in the Iberian Peninsula, providing the confidence and range that users need for their journeys,” adds the executive.
This situation is accompanied by the deployment of a charging network that continues to grow: in Portugal there are already more than 15,000 charging points in operation, according to official MOBI.E. data, of which Iberdrola | bp pulse stands out with a network largely composed of ultrafast charging stations, with powers between 150 and 600 kW. These are features that position it as one of the main operators in the country in the field of ultrafast charging, thus driving the expansion and diversification of electric vehicle use.
Electric vehicle drivers no longer limit themselves to short urban trips
The recent Iberdrola | bp pulse survey highlights the growing confidence of electric vehicle drivers in public infrastructure. The study reveals that 82% of users in Portugal routinely use these charging points and that on long-distance trips, especially frequent during the summer holidays, 68% specifically resort to fast or ultrafast infrastructure to complete their journeys.
These data reveal a shift in consumption habits: users no longer limit themselves to short city routes, but fully trust the electric vehicle to cover long distances. An indicator that the barriers associated with electric mobility are losing importance and that drivers’ confidence continues to grow.
Moreover, the study data reveal that, among younger people aged 25 to 34, charging outside the home is on the rise. More than two-thirds, 78%, resort to the public network with an average monthly frequency of up to 6 charges. The new generations see electric mobility as natural and simple, which they have spontaneously integrated into their daily lives, and this is reflected in their summer habits.
“Changes in mobility culture allow us to observe an increasingly natural relationship between the driver and the public charging network,” emphasises Ricardo Pacheco. “The generalisation of public charging points allows charging to be integrated naturally into journeys, consolidating electric mobility that is increasingly comfortable, flexible and accessible.”
The experience will be determinant in choosing the operator
Portugal already has more than 270,000 fully electric vehicles in circulation and sales have been accelerating – compared with 2025, in April this year the year-on-year growth was 34.61% – a trend that has been accompanied by a continuously growing charging network as well.
Many of these drivers will travel this summer and the choice of operator will depend greatly on guaranteed availability, ultrafast charging and a hassle-free digital experience.
“Portuguese drivers seek peace of mind: they require maximum availability, high speed and real-time occupancy transparency,” notes Ricardo Pacheco. “Therefore, the differentiating value of operators such as Iberdrola | bp pulse lies in offering a comprehensive network, with maximum reliability and multiple charging points in each hub, thereby eliminating these concerns.”
Digitisation and leadership in user experience
The study shows that users are increasingly digital and technologically advanced, demanding high-value features in apps, such as intelligent geolocation of nearby chargers, integrated payment and, above all, real-time information on the status of the charging point, to plan their route with total tranquillity.
The survey data reveal that the choice of operator is influenced by the ability to provide simple, intuitive and frictionless experiences. “At Iberdrola | bp pulse, we accepted the challenge of this study. The market demands the removal of barriers and we respond with a value proposition tailored to the real needs of the driver,” notes Ricardo Pacheco.
“We place the customer at the centre of everything we offer, knowing that each driver has different preferences when it comes to charging their vehicle. Through a flexible and hassle-free experience, we provide access to the apps of the leading European operators for the more digital users, as well as payment by bank card,” concluded the country manager for Portugal of Iberdrola | bp pulse.
