The number of electric vehicles in Turkey increased significantly from 14,896 at the beginning of the year to 93,973 by April 2024. This growth can be attributed to investments made by charge point operators who are licensed by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority. As a result of these investments, the number of charging points in Turkey reached 17,233 as of April 1st, with 11,412 slow chargers and 5,821 fast chargers available across the country.
In addition to public charging stations, the number of private charge units is also on the rise. Many electric vehicle owners are installing charge units at their standalone homes, summer houses, and even some cafe and restaurant owners are setting up units for their customers. In Erzincan, electric vehicle owners are meeting their charging needs using both shared stations and private units on their properties.
One electric vehicle owner in Üzümlü district, Fatih Özbir, highlighted the comfort and cost-effectiveness of using an electric vehicle. By installing a charge unit at home, Özbir can travel an average of 400-450 kilometers after charging, which takes around 7 hours. He plans to further reduce costs by installing a solar energy system on his roof, aiming to eventually achieve free electricity for his home and vehicle.
The trend of installing home charge units is not limited to individual residences. Alparslan Oğuz, a TOGG user in Yaylabaşı village, noted the economic benefits of charging at home compared to using public stations. The ease and cost-effectiveness of having a private unit customized for his home’s electrical system has made the EV ownership experience more convenient for many users.
The increased demand for charge stations is also evident in the installation of units at cafes and other public spaces. In Mersin, a cafe owner named Safiye Nadir set up an electric vehicle charge unit in front of her establishment to provide a convenient charging solution for her customers. The installation has been well-received, offering both time and cost savings for electric vehicle owners while enjoying coffee or tea.
The positive feedback from customers like Hasan Çelik and Şafak Şahin further supports the advantages of owning an electric vehicle in terms of fuel and maintenance costs. The availability of charging units at cafes and other social spaces is perceived as a convenient and profitable addition, signaling a growing trend towards greater accessibility of charging infrastructure in various locations. As the number of electric vehicles continues to rise, the expansion of charging stations is expected to follow suit, making it easier for EV owners to sustain their vehicles efficiently.
