AZE.US
Electric vehicle owners in Baku are facing a growing problem: charging stations exist, but access to them is often blocked by regular cars.
Drivers say some charging spots are occupied by vehicles that are not being charged at all. As a result, EV owners arrive at a station but cannot park close enough to connect their cars.
One such case was reported in Baku’s Narimanov district. Video footage showed a charging point blocked by other vehicles, leaving an electric car driver unable to use the station.
“This place is for electric cars. How is someone supposed to charge a car if other vehicles are parked here?” the driver said in the video.
Other drivers say the problem is more common during peak hours and on working days. In some locations, there may be only one or two charging spaces, so if they are occupied by regular cars, EV drivers are forced to search for another station.
Ramil Valiyev, who is responsible for charging equipment at one of the sites, said the issue happens frequently. According to him, one reason is the lack of a special sign marking the space as reserved for EV charging.
“Someone comes, parks the car and goes to work until 6 p.m. Then a person who needs to charge an electric vehicle cannot use the station,” he said.
Experts say Azerbaijani law provides a fine for blocking such areas. A driver who parks at a charging point and prevents an electric vehicle from using it may be fined 20 manats, or about $12.
Similar rules exist in European countries, but fines are often higher. Experts note that in some EU countries, parking in an EV charging space without charging can result in penalties of around 50 to 100 euros. In certain cases, the vehicle may also be towed by police.
In Germany, EV charging spaces are also regulated by time limits. Electric vehicles may be allowed to stay for 60 or 90 minutes while charging. If they remain longer, the driver can be fined. Regular cars parked in such spaces can also face penalties.
In Azerbaijan, however, another problem is whether a charging station is officially recognized as such.
The Land Transport Agency said that charging points installed on public roads in coordination with the relevant authorities must have special information signs. Only stations with such signs are officially considered charging points.
If charging equipment is installed without proper coordination and signage, the location may not legally be treated as an official EV charging station.
That creates confusion. Some drivers see the space as ordinary parking, while EV owners expect it to be kept free for charging.
As the number of electric vehicles grows in Baku, the issue is likely to become more visible. Without clear signs, enforcement and public awareness, charging stations may remain available in theory but difficult to use in practice.
AZE.US