In 2024, Croatia once again confirmed its reputation as a top tourist destination, welcoming 21.3 million tourists and recording 108.7 million overnight stays. At the same time, the number of electric vehicles (EVs) in Croatia is growing rapidly. By the end of 2023, around 7,000 fully electric vehicles were registered in the country — a 68% increase from the previous year. European tourists are part of this trend, with an estimated 70,000 visitors arriving in Croatia annually with their EVs. While EVs still represent a relatively small share of total vehicle registrations, the demand is accelerating, especially within the tourism sector.

What Modern Tourists Expect

Modern travelers, increasingly aware of the need for sustainable travel, expect destinations to offer EV charging infrastructure. In fact, 94% of EV users report that charging availability influences their choice of destination. Tourists are more likely to choose a hotel, resort, or camp that offers charging facilities than one that does not. Currently, around 1,000 tourist accommodations in Croatia (hotels, villas, campsites, etc.) provide EV charging for guests. Preliminary research shows that these locations enjoy higher guest satisfaction, longer stays, and quicker return on investment.

In this context, offering EV charging becomes not just a convenience, but a clear competitive advantage — especially in coastal and island destinations. For hotels, restaurants, and campsites, EV infrastructure represents a simple, effective upgrade to attract eco-conscious travelers.

Current EV Charging Network in Tourist Areas

Despite growing demand, Croatia still has one of the lowest EV charger densities in the EU, with just over 1,000 public charging points. Neighboring countries like Slovenia already offer significantly more chargers per capita. National operators such as Hrvatski Telekom and HEP operate most of the country’s infrastructure, with approximately 600 chargers combined — primarily standard AC chargers (up to 22 kW) and some DC fast chargers (around 50 kW).

These chargers cover key tourism zones — Central Croatia, Istria and Kvarner, and Dalmatia — but summer demand often overwhelms the network. During peak season, the influx of foreign EVs leads to queues at public stations on highways and near popular tourist areas. To address this, Croatia is expanding its charging capacity, installing faster units and exploring new billing and booking technologies.

Innovative Projects for EV Infrastructure in Tourism

Croatia is participating in several EU-funded projects to accelerate EV infrastructure development. The Next-E project supported the installation of 222 fast DC and 30 ultra-fast charging stations along main corridors. Under the EAST-E/Multi-E initiatives, 20 new multistandard AC charging stations (up to 22 kW) are planned across the country. In Istria, the CROSS-E project is bringing ultra-fast 300 kW chargers to cities like Poreč, Pula, and Cerovlje.

Beyond EU projects, local operators and private investors are actively building out infrastructure. These efforts will ease seasonal bottlenecks and improve the visitor experience in key tourist areas.

Future Challenges and Outlook

Seasonal surges in EV use remain the biggest challenge. Summer demand often pushes the current grid and charger network to its limits. EU guidelines now require 1.3 kW of charging power per registered EV on core TEN-T corridors, with expectations for continuous capacity growth. Experts note that charging stations serving 10 EVs may require 2–3 MW of installed capacity to meet future demand.

Europe plans to install millions of public EV chargers by 2030 to support widespread adoption, and Croatia is expected to follow suit. New technologies such as Plug & Charge — where users simply plug in and charging is automatically billed — will improve convenience and speed, setting a new standard in usability.

The Role of Private Accommodation Providers

The private sector plays a crucial role in expanding EV infrastructure. Hotels, resorts, marinas, and campgrounds are increasingly investing in their own chargers to meet guest expectations. Many already offer EV charging as a value-added service, knowing it influences travel decisions. Restaurants, cafes, and road-stop locations are also realizing the value of providing charging opportunities during customer dwell time.

Integrated EV solutions make implementation easier than ever. For example, Croatian company ChargePort offers smart charging units with built-in card payment systems. Guests can charge using a simple contactless transaction — no apps, no accounts. For operators, this means clear oversight and easy billing, while guests benefit from a seamless experience. Solutions like these are helping make e-mobility practical and accessible across Croatia’s growing tourism and hospitality sector.