New rules to ensure the build-up by 2020 of more refuelling points for vehicles using alternative fuels have been formally adopted by the European Council.

I comes after their final approval in the European Parliament in April.

Under the new rules adopted on 29 September, EU member states will have to set and publish firm targets for the rollout of such facilities by the end of 2016.

The EC has indicated it wants member states to come up with targets of at least one electric vehicle recharging point per ten electric vehicles by 2020, with a common plug being used right across the EU; as well as liquefied natural gas (LNG) points every 400km on the TEN-T core road network by the end of 2025; and compressed natural gas (CNG) refuelling points in urban and suburban areas as well as on the TEN-T core network every 150km by the end of 2025.

The rules also require clear information to be given to vehicle operators about the fuels that can be used by a vehicle, using standardised labelling in vehicle manuals, at dealerships and at the recharging/refuelling points themselves.

Commenting on the move, EC vice-president and commissioner for transport Siim Kallas said: “Alternative fuels are key to improving the security of energy supply, reducing the impact of transport on the environment and boosting EU competitiveness. With these new rules, the EU provides long-awaited legal certainty for companies to start investing and the possibility for economies of scale.”

The UK has previously indicated that it will put 122,000 publicly accessible electric vehicle charging points in place by 2020 in support of an anticipated total of 1.55 million electric vehicles. It already has 22 out of an EU total of 38 LNG filling stations.

A spokesman for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) welcomed the latest move by Europe.

“UK demand for ultra-low-emission vehicles is growing strongly but if this is to continue, the development of an infrastructure capable of supporting increasing vehicle numbers is essential,” he said. “SMMT therefore welcomes this directive and the integrated approach it provides across a range of fuel types.”

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