Episode 07 - Navigating Gridlock: Key Insights for CPOs from Zsuzsanna Pato of RAP

Why Grid Congestion Has Become The Biggest Challenge For EV Charging

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Europe's transition to electric mobility is accelerating, but the electricity grid is struggling to keep pace. Across several countries, Charge Point Operators (CPOs) are facing long connection queues, limited grid capacity, and increasing uncertainty around infrastructure deployment.

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Rather than simply investing in larger grid connections, the industry is beginning to rethink how existing infrastructure can be used more intelligently. Smart charging, distributed energy resources (DERs), and greater grid flexibility are emerging as critical tools for supporting electrification without waiting years for costly network upgrades.

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In this episode of The Charge Point Podcast, Christophe Lephilibert speaks with Zsuzsanna Pato, Principal at the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP), about the structural challenges facing Europe's electricity grids. Together, they discuss why traditional grid connection models are no longer fit for purpose, how CPOs can navigate increasing grid congestion, and what role flexibility will play in enabling the next phase of EV charging infrastructure.

What You Will Learn From This Episode

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As EV adoption accelerates across Europe, understanding the electricity system is becoming just as important for CPOs as understanding charging technology.

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Key learnings:

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• Why grid congestion is becoming one of the biggest barriers to expanding EV charging infrastructure across Europe.
• How the traditional first come, first served approach to grid connections is slowing electrification and why regulators are exploring more flexible alternatives.
• Why distributed energy resources (DERs) such as battery storage, solar generation, and smart charging can help unlock existing grid capacity without major infrastructure upgrades.
• How grid flexibility enables Charge Point Operators to optimize charging demand while supporting electricity system stability.
• Why collaboration between regulators, Distribution System Operators (DSOs), and CPOs will become essential as electricity demand continues to increase.
• How smart energy management allows charging infrastructure to become part of the solution rather than an additional burden on the electricity grid.