Electric vehicle charging tariff rises sharply from November 1

Albania’s Energy Regulatory Authority (ERE) has approved a significant increase in the price of electricity used to charge electric vehicles. From November 1, tariff will rise from 14 ALL per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 22 ALL, while during peak hours the rate will reach 25.3 ALL per kWh.

Why is this important: The new tariff means that charging a 60 kWh battery — which previously cost around 840 ALL — will now cost 1,320 ALL, and up to 1,518 ALL during peak hours. This represents an increase of 57% to 81%, a jump that could affect both private EV owners and commercial operators.

Context: ERE said the measure aims to offset rising network imbalance costs, which reached 552 million ALL in just eight months, 28% higher than projected. However, the decision has triggered backlash from taxi operators, 60% of whom use electric vehicles, arguing that the price hike will hurt their businesses.

Albania currently counts 3,901 registered electric vehicles, a 24.8% increase from last year, and 254 active charging stations, mainly in Tirana and other major cities. Experts warn that while the new cost remains manageable, authorities must expand the charging infrastructure and promote solar energy adoption to keep the EV transition sustainable.

With this decision, Albania becomes one of the first countries in the Western Balkans to set a separate electricity tariff for electric vehicle charging