After Copenhagen, which did it in january 2024, Aarhus will bring its free parking program for electric vehicles to an end on October 1, 2025.
The scheme, which allows EVs to park for free for up to four hours, was introduced in 2021 but will be discontinued due to a significant increase in the number of electric vehicles in Denmark and in Danish main cities especially (click here to read more about).
Not everyone is happy
The decision, reported by Aarhus Stiftstidende, stems from rising costs associated with offering free parking as the EV market grows. However, the move has sparked criticism from FDM, the leading Danish motorists’ association. Dennis Lange, a senior consultant at FDM, warns that eliminating free parking for EVs could lead to unintended consequences.
Aarhus Municipality has acknowledged the concern and plans to evaluate potential solutions before the program ends. Officials are committed to addressing these challenges and finding a balanced approach to parking for EV owners and the general public.
The phase-out marks a significant shift in Aarhus’s approach to incentivizing electric vehicle adoption. Initially implemented to encourage greener transportation, the growing popularity of EVs now challenges the city’s ability to maintain financial sustainability while supporting the green transition.
As the end of free parking nears, EV owners and policymakers alike will look to new measures to ensure the city remains a leader in sustainable mobility without creating bottlenecks at charging stations. The conversation around affordable and accessible parking for EVs will undoubtedly continue as municipalities across Denmark and beyond face similar dilemmas.
