A growing number of drivers in Spain are switching to electric cars, making charging points—and clear road signs—more essential than ever.
Credit : Drazen Zigic, Shutterstock
When it came to longer trips, owning an electric vehicle in Spain was a bit nerve-wracking. “Will my battery run out before I find a charging station?” It’s a question that most EV owners know well. But there’s some good news for those behind the wheel of a plug-in: Spain’s road signs just got a little smarter—and a whole lot greener.
Signs for electric car charging in Spain: The new DGT symbol makes it easy to find a plug
If you’ve spent time cruising Spain’s roads, you might’ve spotted something new—a bright green sign with a plug. This is not just another symbol that you should ignore. The Directorate-General for Traffic is using this symbol to alert you that there are charging points nearby for your car.
No more crossing your fingers, hoping that the next petrol station will have a plug outlet hidden in the back. You can now see exactly where you need to stop, get a coffee, or charge your electric vehicle.
Not just electric
There’s more than green plugs. The new signs have been colour-coded so that you can tell at a glance exactly what is on offer.
- Green Plug: Electric Charging Available
- Black pump: Petrol and diesel
- Blue Pump: LPG for those who have a more unusual set up
Sometimes you’ll see just the green plug, other times you might get the whole rainbow—handy for road trips with friends driving all sorts of vehicles.
Why Spain is preparing for electric vehicles now
Electric cars are everywhere. Whether you’re in Madrid, Málaga, or somewhere tucked away in the hills, more and more people are plugging in. There’s always that little problem of finding a charger when you’re in a new place. DGT appears to have finally figured out that better signs are the solution.
So next time you see that green plug symbol, you’ll know help is at hand—and your range anxiety can take a break for a while.
Spain doesn’t stop at a brand new sign. Every year, more charging stations are added. Soon you will see green plug icons everywhere. It’s a little change, but for EV drivers, it could make a world of difference—especially when you’re running low and the sat nav isn’t being helpful.
So keep your eyes peeled. A simple sign has made driving in Spain safer, cleaner and greener.