The government is set to instal ten publicly accessible fast-charging stations for electric vehicles by the end of 2025, the transport ministry announced on Thursday. 

With a budget of €1.04 million funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the EV chargers will become operational in public areas such as parking spaces of hospitals, museums and other facilities. 

Transport Minister Alexis Vafiades said each station will have a capacity of 100 kW, capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously.

The ten fast-charging stations will be installed at the Nicosia General Hospital parking area, in Larnaca near the Mall and Larnaca general hospital, archaeological site of Choirokoitia, Famagusta hospital health centre, Limassol general hospital and the church parking area in Trimiklini. 

Four more charging stations will be installed at the Troodos general hospital in Kyperounta, Troodos Square parking area, Tombs of the Kings Avenue station in Paphos and at the Polis Chrysochous Avenue station.  

Plans are also underway for the installation of charging stations in municipal and community parking areas, private parking facilities and other publicly accessible charging and refuelling points. 

Eligible entities include local authorities, private businesses, such as supermarkets, shopping centres, banks, private hospitals, fuel stations, and others.

Vafeades announced the move during a briefing to the House of representatives, explaining that the path for the installation of these stations was cleared with the awarding of the tender to the successful bidder at the end of last year. 

He said that the Tender Review Authority recently rejected an appeal from the second bidder, enabling the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services to issue the award letter to the successful bidder on 4 November 2024. 

The relevant tender, announced on 29 January 2024, involved the supply, installation, maintenance and operation of the ten fast-charging stations in public spaces. 

The Public Procurement Board made its decision to award the tender within the designated timelines. However, before the deadline for appeals to the Tender Review Authority expired, an appeal was filed by another bidder, which was only recently dismissed. 

The contract’s duration is six months from the signing date for the supply and installation of the charging stations, and five years from the delivery date of the equipment for maintenance and operational services.