Vision and objectives The European Green Deal and the EU’s climate policy framework require a profound transformation of the transport system. To reach climate neutrality by 2050, the EU needs a pathway consistent with a 90% reduction in transport-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (vs. 1990), supported by coordinated action across vehicles, fuels (European Commission)A sufficiently dense, interoperable and user-friendly network of recharging and refuelling infrastructure is a precondition for the uptake of zero- and low-emission mobility solutions. Market actors, policy makers and consumers depend on comprehensive, reliable, targeted and timely information on the development of alternative fuels vehicles and infrastructure. Such information underpins decisions on vehicle purchase, infrastructure investment, public support schemes and market regulation, and is essential for the functioning of the internal market.The European Commission therefore established the European Alternative Fuels Observatory (EAFO) in 2015. EAFO has developed into a key reference point for Europe-wide information on alternative fuels and related infrastructure, providing harmonised data and indicators, as well as policy and market insights. EAFO in the EU regulatory framework (AFIR) EAFO supports the European Commission and stakeholders in tracking progress under Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (AFIR), which repealed Directive 2014/94/EU (AFID) and has been applicable since 13 April 2024. AFIR establishes a more uniform and binding EU framework for infrastructure rollout, including common requirements on consumer information, payment and data availability. (Mobility and Transport) AFIR sets EU-wide requirements to ensure that infrastructure deployment keeps pace with the market uptake of zero- and low-emission vehicles and vessels, including along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). It also strengthens provisions that affect the everyday user experience—such as transparency and access conditions—and improves the availability of infrastructure data for digital services and monitoring. (Mobility and Transport)EAFO aggregates and publishes comparable indicators across countries and modes to help:monitor infrastructure rollout and market uptake,benchmark progress and identify gaps,support evidence-based policymaking and investment decisions. Scope EAFO covers EU Member States and provides broader European coverage where relevant (including EFTA/EEA countries, the United Kingdom, Türkiye, Ukraine and selected Western Balkan countries).EAFO covers alternative fuels and energy carriers within the scope of the EU framework on alternative fuels infrastructure, including (among others) electricity and hydrogen, and where relevant other alternative fuels covered by EU definitions and reporting approaches. (EAFO’s data presentation distinguishes between technologies aligned with long-term decarbonisation and those considered transitional in parts of the market.)EAFO provides information across transport modes, with coverage expanding over time. The platform offers detailed road transport datasets and provides dedicated modules for other modes, supporting the monitoring needs of the evolving EU policy framework.EAFO also situates infrastructure deployment within the broader “Fit for 55” landscape, including synergies with sectoral measures such as FuelEU Maritime and ReFuelEU Aviation, which drive fuel decarbonisation and operational requirements alongside enabling infrastructure. (EUR-Lex) Target groups EAFO serves:local, regional, national and EU policymakers working on sustainable transport and alternative fuels;statistical and analytical bodies (including Eurostat and national authorities);business actors (vehicle manufacturers, charging/refuelling operators, energy suppliers, service providers, fleet operators, ports/airports, and public transport authorities);NGOs, professional associations and special interest groups;(potential) consumers of alternative-fuel vehicles and infrastructure;EU citizens and the wider public. Downloads EAFO Data Overview: Tracking Alternative Fuels in EuropeThe European Alternative Fuels Observatory (EAFO) is your go-to platform for comprehensive data on alternative fuels (AF) in the road transport sector across the EU-27, EFTA countries, Türkiye, and the UK. EAFO tracks AF vehicle fleets and new registrations—covering passenger cars (M1), vans (N1), trucks (N2, N3), buses (M2, M3), and light vehicles (L)—alongside infrastructure for electricity, hydrogen, natural gas, and LPG. Key metrics include total numbers, market shares, and growth rates, updated monthly or quarterly with a 45-day lag.Sourced from national authorities, infrastructure operators, and trusted third parties like Eco-movement and the European Hydrogen Observatory, EAFO ensures data reliability through rigorous validation and harmonization. The platform also offers insights into BEV models, recharging prices, and emerging trends in maritime, inland shipping, and rail electrification. Data is presented in user-friendly graphs, maps, and downloadable files (Excel, CSV), with updates published on the 15th of each month.Supporting the European Commission’s Regulation (EU) 2023/1804, EAFO empowers policymakers, consumers, and stakeholders with timely, high-quality insights into the shift toward sustainable transport. Overview on data collection main characteristics, data quality and contact details Contact us! If you want to get in touch with the EAFO team, please send us an email and let us know how we can work together!
