New high-capacity EV charging stations are being installed along Denmark’s Sønderjyske Motorway, making it easier for electric vehicle drivers to travel in Denmark, between Kolding and the German border.
Major Infrastructure Upgrade for Green Mobility
Denmark’s national road authority, the Danish Road Directorate (Vejdirektoratet), has announced the development of two new fast-charging stations along the E45 Sønderjyske Motorway. Construction has begun at the Ustrup East and Ustrup West rest areas, with both facilities set to open in January 2026. The stations aim to support the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs) traveling along this vital cross-border route that connects Kolding to Aabenraa and beyond to Germany. The new stations will make it easier for EV car drivers to travel longer.
The initiative addresses increasing demand for EV infrastructure in the southern Jutland region, a key corridor for commuters and international travelers. Once completed, the new charging hubs will significantly enhance the convenience of EV travel, offering fast and flexible charging options to drivers regardless of their service provider. This is another step to improve how to travel in Denmark.
Fast-Charging Capacity for All EV Users
Each rest area will host 16 ultra-fast charging bays designed to accommodate all electric vehicle brands. These chargers, with a capacity of up to 400 kilowatts per unit, will be installed and operated by energy provider Norlys and fuel retailer Circle K. Unlike some private charging networks, these stations will be open to all users, even those without a subscription plan, adding flexibility for occasional or foreign drivers who travel in Denmark.
To serve a wider range of vehicles, two of the bays at each station will be extended to suit larger setups such as cars towing trailers or caravans—an important consideration given the route’s popularity among vacationers heading to and from Germany.
Green Design with Weather Protection and Solar Power
Both charging sites will be equipped with canopies to shield users from Denmark’s unpredictable weather while they recharge. Integrated into these coverings will be photovoltaic solar panels, contributing renewable energy to the charging process and further aligning with the government’s pledge to support the green transition in transportation.
This eco-conscious design also reflects a nationwide strategy to integrate sustainable technologies into public infrastructure, showcasing how travel in Denmark aims to lead in climate-resilient mobility solutions across the EU.
Temporary Parking Reductions During Construction
During construction, parking availability at the rest areas will be impacted, particularly at Ustrup Vest, where approximately one-third of parking spaces will be repurposed as a work zone. The Road Directorate has assured motorists that these spaces will be restored once the project is completed this winter.
Despite the short-term inconvenience, the long-term benefit is expected to outweigh the disruption, as the rest areas are among the region’s busiest service points and key locations for long-distance EV drivers.
Other EV Stations Coming to Southern Jutland
Beyond the work at Ustrup, the Danish Road Directorate also plans to establish a new charging park later this year at the Frøslev rest area near Padborg, close to the Danish-German border. This additional investment supports the goal to ensure that no EV driver is ever far from a fast-charging facility and can easily travel in Denmark.
In line with Denmark’s climate objectives and ambition to ban the sale of new fossil-fuel-powered vehicles by 2035, the country has been rapidly expanding its EV charging infrastructure. The number of registered electric cars in Denmark exceeded 200,000 in 2024, a figure expected to multiply over the next decade.
A Coordinated Public-Private Effort
The project involves several key industry partners. Construction is being led by contractor Mads Nielsen, while DAV Nordic is handling the solar-integrated canopies. This collaboration highlights Denmark’s approach of blending private expertise with public oversight to create large-scale, sustainable infrastructure.
As Europe continues to push for a cleaner and carbon-neutral transport sector, projects like these demonstrate Denmark’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve. With ultra-fast chargers, solar-powered roofs, and user-friendly access, the new Ustrup stations are expected to become a model for future EV infrastructure projects throughout the country and the region.
