Phantom chargers in electric mobility: inactive recharge points that slow the expansion of electric cars

Ghostly chargers: Incredible! One in five recharge points in Spain is inoperative

In recent years, the recharge infrastructure of electric vehicles in Spain has experienced remarkable growth. However, A persistent problem is frustrating drivers and distorting statistics: ghost loaders. This term, although not official, refers to those recharge points that, although they are installed and appear on the maps, They do not work and cannot be used.

The reality of inactive loaders

For any user of an electric vehicle, meet an inactive charger is as discouraging as discovering a closed gas station when the tank is almost empty. This situation not only represents an inefficiency for the system, but also brakes the adoption of the electric car at a time when sustainability is more crucial than ever.

Impact of inactive loaders on the recharge network

According to ANFAC data (Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers), In the second quarter of 2025, there were 13,782 recharge points installed but not operational in Spainwhich represents an alarming 22% of the total public network. If all these loaders were in operation, the country would have 61,684 active recharge pointsan essential figure to achieve the European decarbonization objectives of transport.

The causes of this inactivity are diverse. Some facilities are completely mounted and sometimes even energized, But procedures such as municipal licenses or inspections still expect. Others, although they appear as operational in applications, are damaged or disconnected. There are also cases in which the point works, But it is physically inaccessibleas in closed car parks.

In addition, errors in recharge applications and on the maps of aggregators, which often contain outdated or duplicate data, aggravate confusion: loaders are indicated where there is no, or shows as operational points that are already out of service.

Strategies to avoid ghost loaders

The government has implemented several initiatives to improve this situation, such as the official recharge points map, which It allows to check in real time if a charger is free, busy, reserved or out of service. However, users must continue to take precautions to avoid unpleasant surprises during their journeys.

The main recommendations are:

• Plan with redundant recharge options and avoid exhausting the battery below 15–20%.
• Contrast information between the operator app (CPO) and the aggregator.
• Check recent reviews and the loading history of the charger.
• Confirm access schedules and parking conditions.
• Carry several payment methods (app, RFID or bank card).
• Avoid suspicious or non -official links to make payments.
• Report failures in operator apps and assess the service received.

The collective pressure of users, together with the simplification of procedures and a more efficient investment, It will be key to reducing the phenomenon of ghost loaders and ensure that the network grows not only in quantity, but also in reliability.

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Frequent questions

What are ghost loaders?

They are recharge points that are installed but do not work, which hinders the load of electric vehicles.

How many ghost chargers are in Spain?

According to ANFAC, there are approximately 13,782 inactive loaders, representing 22% of the public network.

Why are some loaders inactive?

The reasons include pending procedures, breakdowns, disconnections or limited accessibility.

How can I avoid ghost loaders?

Plan your routes, verify the information in applications and carry alternative payment methods.

What initiatives has the government taken to improve the situation?

An official recharge points shows that the state in real time of each charger has been implemented.

What should I do if I find an inoperative charger?

It reports the failure to the application of the operator and considers leaving a review to inform other users.

Is it safe to use recharge applications?

It is advisable to use official applications and avoid suspicious links to make payments.

How does the inactivity of loaders affect the adoption of electric vehicles?

The inefficiency of inactive loaders can discourage users to adopt electric vehicles.

What role do users play in the improvement of the recharge network?

The collective pressure of users can boost changes and improvements in recharge infrastructure.

Where can I find more information about electric mobility?

You can follow us on our social networks and join our Telegram channel to be aware of the latest news.