EV Owners: How Carvana’s Slate Deal Risks Your Charging Plans

For European EV drivers, the shift from dealerships to direct-to-consumer sales could rewrite the rules of not just car buying, but the entire ownership experience—especially when it comes to charging. As legacy automakers and new entrants like Scout and Slate pivot away from franchise dealers, the infrastructure supporting these sales models is evolving rapidly. But for the 500,000+ EV owners in Europe who rely on networks like Tesla Supercharger, Ionity, Fastned, Allego, Shell Recharge, and BP Pulse for reliable long-distance travel, this transition introduces new variables. Will the charging ecosystem keep pace with the changing retail landscape? And how could this impact your next road trip?

What’s Happening: The Slate Deal and the Future of EV Sales

Carvana’s $2 billion acquisition of Slate—one of the largest independent EV brands in the U.S.—is less about Slate itself and more about Carvana’s bet on a new retail paradigm. Slate’s focus on direct-to-consumer sales, minimal dealerships, and a tech-forward customer experience aligns with Carvana’s core model. But the deal is also a strategic play to position Carvana as a dominant force in the future of automotive retail, particularly as traditional dealerships face pressure from digital-first competitors and regulatory shifts reducing their influence.

While this plays out primarily in the U.S., the implications for Europe are significant. European EV sales are already trending toward direct-to-consumer models, with brands like Tesla, Polestar, and Lucid leading the charge. The continent’s regulatory environment is increasingly favoring open-access charging networks over proprietary systems, and the growth of major networks—like Ionity’s 4,500+ fast chargers across 24 countries or Tesla’s 14,000+ Superchargers in Europe—reflects a maturing infrastructure. Yet, the Slate deal raises a critical question: as the retail model evolves, will the charging ecosystem evolve in lockstep to support these new sales channels?

Why This Matters: The Charging Infrastructure Gap

Carvana’s acquisition is a bellwether for a broader industry shift, but it also highlights a persistent challenge: the disconnect between EV sales models and charging infrastructure. For drivers, this disconnect manifests in two key areas:

• Charging Deserts Along New Routes: Direct-to-consumer brands often prioritize urban markets and high-traffic corridors, leaving rural and secondary routes underserved. For example, while Ionity and Fastned dominate major highways in Germany and France, lesser-traveled routes in Eastern Europe or the Balkans still rely heavily on slower, less reliable AC chargers. Slate’s model, if replicated in Europe, could exacerbate this gap if its sales footprint outpaces infrastructure development.
• Payment and Access Fragmentation: Europe’s charging networks are already fragmented by payment systems (RFID cards, apps, contactless payments), connector types (CCS, CHAdeMO, Tesla NACS), and roaming agreements. A shift toward direct-to-consumer sales could introduce new fragmentation if brands prioritize proprietary charging solutions—or worse, neglect interoperability. Currently, EVRoutes’ data shows that 68% of European fast chargers (50kW+) accept three or more payment methods, but this varies widely by country. In Poland, for instance, only 45% of chargers accept all major payment options, creating friction for cross-border travelers.

To illustrate the stakes, consider the following data from EVRoutes’ 2024 infrastructure report:

Country	Avg. Fast Charger Density (per 100km highway)	% of Chargers Accepting 3+ Payment Methods	% of Chargers in Rural Areas
Germany	8.2	72%	18%
France	6.9	68%	22%
Netherlands	12.1	81%	12%
Italy
Spain	5.7	61%	31%
Poland
Sweden	9.8	75%	20%

Notably, countries with higher fast charger density (like the Netherlands) tend to have better payment interoperability and lower rural gaps. But as direct-to-consumer sales grow, the risk is that infrastructure development lags behind retail expansion—leaving drivers on secondary routes stranded or forced to rely on slower, less reliable charging options.

Another critical factor is the role of brand-owned charging networks. Tesla’s Supercharger network, for instance, is a key selling point for the brand, but it’s also a closed ecosystem. While Tesla’s recent move to open its network to non-Tesla EVs in Europe (via the NACS adapter) is a step forward, many direct-to-consumer brands may not prioritize such inclusivity. For example, Polestar’s 2024 expansion in Italy and Spain has relied heavily on Ionity and Fastned, but if Polestar were to invest in its own proprietary network, it could fragment the market further.

The Bigger Picture: Europe’s Charging Paradox

The Slate-Carvana deal is a microcosm of a larger paradox in Europe’s EV transition: retail innovation is outpacing infrastructure evolution. While sales models are rapidly digitizing and shifting away from traditional dealerships, the physical and operational backbone of EV travel—charging infrastructure—is still catching up. This disconnect is exacerbated by three trends:

1. Regional Disparities in Charging Access: Western Europe leads in fast charger density, but Eastern and Southern Europe lag. For example, Romania has just 2.1 fast chargers per 100km of highway, compared to 12.1 in the Netherlands. As direct-to-consumer brands expand into these markets, they must contend with inadequate infrastructure or risk alienating customers.
2. Payment and Roaming Fragmentation: Despite efforts by the EU to standardize payment systems (e.g., the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation, or AFIR), fragmentation persists. EVRoutes’ data shows that 34% of European fast chargers still require multiple apps or cards to operate, up from 30% in 2023. This is a particular pain point for cross-border travelers, who often face incompatible systems between countries.
3. Brand-Loyalty vs. Open Access: Direct-to-consumer brands thrive on brand loyalty, but closed charging ecosystems (like Tesla’s) can undermine the open-access principle that has driven EV adoption. If brands like Slate or Scout prioritize proprietary charging networks, it could slow the transition to an interoperable, user-friendly charging ecosystem.

To put this in context, consider the growth of Ionity—a network backed by major automakers like BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen. Ionity’s 4,500+ chargers in 24 countries represent a bet on open access and high-power charging (350kW+). Yet, Ionity’s average utilization rate hovers around 15%, indicating that even well-funded networks struggle to balance profitability with accessibility. Meanwhile, smaller networks like Allego and Fastned, which rely on a mix of public funding and private investment, are expanding but face pressure to keep up with demand.

For direct-to-consumer brands, the challenge is twofold: how to ensure their customers have reliable charging access as they expand, and how to avoid creating new charging deserts. Brands that fail to address this risk alienating customers who value the convenience of long-distance EV travel—a key selling point over ICE vehicles.

What EV Owners Should Know: Navigating the New Retail Landscape

For EV owners—or those considering an EV—the Slate-Carvana deal and the broader shift toward direct-to-consumer sales are more than just industry news. They’re a reminder that the entire ownership experience is evolving, and that includes how and where you charge. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead:

1. Check Your Route—Ahead of Time

Before planning a long trip, use a route planner like EVRoutes to verify that your chosen charging network covers the entire route. Don’t assume that because a brand is expanding, its charging network is keeping pace. For example:

• Germany to Poland: While Ionity and Fastned are reliable on major highways, rural routes may require detours to find a fast charger. EVRoutes’ data shows that 22% of fast chargers in Poland are in rural areas, compared to just 12% in the Netherlands.
• France to Spain: The Pyrenees mountain range is a known bottleneck, with charger density dropping to 4.1 per 100km. Plan for longer stops or detours to higher-density areas.
• Italy’s South: Southern Italy and Sicily have charger densities as low as 3.8 per 100km. If you’re driving a direct-to-consumer brand that’s expanding into the south, confirm charging availability before committing to the purchase.

2. Diversify Your Payment Options

Relying on a single payment method (e.g., a brand-specific app or RFID card) is risky. Even in countries with high interoperability (like the Netherlands or Germany), payment fragmentation can derail a trip. Here’s how to minimize friction:

• Use a Universal App: Apps like PlugShare, ChargeMap, or EVRoute’s own platform aggregate multiple networks and payment methods. They also provide real-time availability data, which is critical in high-traffic areas.
• Carry a Backup RFID Card: Some networks (like Shell Recharge or BP Pulse) still require physical cards, even in 2024. Keep a card for at least two major networks as a fallback.
• Check for Contactless Payments: Networks like Tesla Supercharger (for non-Tesla EVs) and Ionity increasingly support contactless payments. This is the most frictionless option, but availability varies by country. In Spain, for example, only 58% of Ionity chargers accept contactless payments, compared to 78% in Germany.

3. Monitor Charger Reliability

Not all fast chargers are created equal. EVRoutes’ reliability data, based on real user reports, shows significant variation even within the same network:

• Tesla Supercharger: Average reliability rate: 92%. Issues are rare but often cluster around holiday periods or extreme weather.
• Ionity: Reliability rate: 85%. The newest 350kW chargers (V3) are more reliable than older models, but some older sites (especially in Eastern Europe) suffer from maintenance delays.
• Fastned: Reliability rate: 88%. Fastned’s smaller, hyper-local network is highly reliable, but its coverage is limited to Benelux and parts of Germany.
• Allego: Reliability rate: 81%. Allego’s network is expanding rapidly, but its older sites (especially in rural France) can be hit-or-miss.

To avoid surprises, check real-time reliability data in your route planner. If a charger is rated below 70% reliability, consider an alternative stop.

4. Plan for the Unexpected

Even the best-laid plans can go awry. Here’s how to prepare:

• Carry a Level 2 Charging Cable: In a pinch, a Level 2 charger (7-22kW) can get you back on the road, even if it’s slow. Many hotels, Airbnbs, and even some workplaces offer free Level 2 charging.
• Know Your Car’s Buffer: Modern EVs have sophisticated buffer management systems, but it’s still wise to arrive at a charger with at least 15% battery remaining. This gives you a margin for error if the charger is slow or occupied.
• Have a Backup Route: Always plan an alternate route in case of charger outages or traffic. EVRoutes’ "avoid slow chargers" option can help you filter out unreliable stops.

5. Advocate for Open Access

As a consumer, your voice matters. If you’re buying from a direct-to-consumer brand, ask about their charging strategy. Do they:

• Prioritize open-access networks (like Ionity or Fastned) over proprietary solutions?
• Offer roaming agreements or partnerships with multiple networks?
• Invest in rural or underserved areas as part of their expansion plans?

Brands that ignore these questions risk creating a two-tier system: one for urban drivers with easy access to charging, and another for long-distance travelers who rely on a fragmented, unreliable network.

Closing Perspective: The Road Ahead

The Slate-Carvana deal is a reminder that the EV industry is still in its adolescence. Retail models are evolving rapidly, but the infrastructure supporting them is playing catch-up. For EV owners, this means more choice in how and where they buy—but also more responsibility to plan ahead. The days of spontaneous long-distance road trips in an EV are not yet over, but they’re becoming more dependent on preparation and data.

In the coming years, we’ll likely see three scenarios play out:

1. The Fragmented Future: Direct-to-consumer brands prioritize closed ecosystems, leading to a patchwork of proprietary charging networks. This would slow adoption in rural areas and increase costs for consumers.
2. The Interoperable Dream: Regulators and brands collaborate to create a seamless, open-access charging ecosystem. This would require standardization, investment in rural areas, and a commitment to interoperability—but it would unlock true long-distance EV travel.
3. The Two-Speed System: Urban and high-traffic areas get reliable, high-power charging, while rural and secondary routes lag behind. This would create a divide between "premium" and "budget" EV ownership experiences.

For now, the onus is on consumers to navigate this landscape. Use the tools at your disposal—real-time route planners, reliability data, and diversified payment options—to ensure that your EV remains a tool for freedom, not frustration. The road ahead is electric, but it’s also uncertain. Plan accordingly.