Flemish cities and municipalities are at a crossroads. The rollout of charging infrastructure is accelerating, residents expect charging access close to home, and the new concession from the Department of Mobility and Public Works (MOW) demands greater control from cities and municipalities.
However, those who fail to take action relinquish control. This blog demonstrates what that entails and how to prevent it with a sound strategic charging plan (potential map).
What does MOW require from municipalities?
A new concession for public charging infrastructure in Flanders will commence in 2026. Under this concession, cities and municipalities will assume responsibility for taking control by developing a strategic plan, in the form of a potential map. According to MOW's official specifications:
“The local authority can propose a number of preferred locations through the charging plan. Only these locations are binding within the framework of the placement obligation.”
What if no strategic plan is submitted?
In that case, MOW will apply a standard model:
- Pole follows Pole: data-driven expansion in response to existing demand;
- Pole follows Car: placement based on individual request.
Consequences of not submitting a plan:
- No input on locations;
- Does not consider parking pressure or policy;
- Assumes responsibility for complaints;
- Notifications instead of consultation.
The Risks of Inaction
If your municipality fails to submit a strategic plan, you will not only lose control but also face several practical and policy-related risks:
❌ Loss of Control
You will no longer determine the placement of charging stations.
❌ Ad-Hoc Placements
Charging points are installed based on individual requests.
❌ Poor Internal Coordination
Without a unified plan, departmental discussions often lead to indecision.
❌ Reduced Public Support
Residents may feel blindsided by charging stations placed near their homes without prior consultation.
❌ Post-Hoc Corrections
Undesirable placements will require subsequent revisions, costing time, money, and public trust.
Studies show that:
- 60% of municipalities do not utilize data when expanding their charging network.
- 56% wish to create a potential map but lack the knowledge to do so.
Benefits of a Strategic Plan
✅ Guidance & Control
You select locations that align with both policy and practical requirements.
✅ Faster Realization
50% of planned locations are installed within 2 years.
✅ Fewer Individual Requests
Citizens recognize and trust the structured approach.
✅Smart Clustering
Charging hubs in logical locations prevent uncontrolled proliferation.
✅ Improved Policy Integration
Aligns with spatial planning, new developments, or mobility hubs.
✅ Increased Public Support
Clear communication regarding placements prevents objections.
Achieving a Strong Charging Plan in 4 Steps
Developing an effective charging plan does not have to take months. Many municipalities already follow this approach:
1. Preparation Gather data on parking, usage, growth, and grid capacity.
2. Location Determination Combine data with local knowledge (residents, policy).
3. Internal Validation Coordinate with colleagues from mobility, spatial planning, and sustainability departments.
83% of municipalities consider this essential for public acceptance.
4. Submission Submit digitally to MOW and CPOs.
EVMaps: Get Started Quickly and Easily
- EVMaps is the platform to take control. Over 120 cities and municipalities already use it. What does EVMaps offer?
- Smart Planning
Work based on geo-, parking, and grid data - Internal Collaboration
Validate locations without the hassle of Excel or email - Digital Delivery
Share directly with MOW and CPO — in the correct format - Live Monitoring
View progress and status per location - Start within 48 hours
Guided setup without hurdles
🚀 Do you, as a municipality, want to take control?
With EVMaps, you can quickly create a well-supported, data-driven strategic charging plan. Ready for the new concession — and with support from residents and colleagues.
