The Estonian competition authority has published an analysis indicating that the public charging infrastructure for light electric vehicles is mainly evolving in larger urban areas, leading to a competitive struggle among market players. The analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the market's functioning and identify obstacles affecting fair competition.

According to Enn Robert Kinnas, an analyst at the authority, the study highlights the low competition and limited charging options in sparsely populated regions. The market activity is concentrated in major cities, driven by calculated business decisions from market participants. The authority warns that the development of the public charging infrastructure may result in inadequate competition and charging options in rural areas due to high investment risks creating barriers to market entry.

The analysis also revealed a competitive struggle among businesses vying for the best partners and properties to secure their positions for future demand growth. Annabell Carina Katalsepp, a legal expert at the authority, noted questionable market practices and potentially anti-competitive activities during the analysis. The authority is considering further actions based on the analysis results, with decisions pending discussions with market participants.

The authority emphasizes that the ongoing competitive struggle and market conditions should not become restrictive, such as through exclusive agreements or other limitations that reduce choices for competitors and consumers. Raising awareness among market participants about anti-competitive practices is crucial for fostering a sustainable market development.

The competition authority has provided several recommendations to improve the competitive situation to the government, local authorities, network operators, property owners, developers, and charging point operators. Those receiving recommendations must inform the authority about the measures taken or reasons for non-implementation.

The authority will continue monitoring the market situation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, considering its strategic importance in the long term. They plan to engage with stakeholders to present recommendations for improving the competitive landscape.