Benelux countries agree to work together on electric cars

Belgium has reached an agreement with the Netherlands and Luxembourg to apply a common standard for all electric car charging points across the three countries.

Charging systems for electric vehicles will be compatible throughout the Benelux region under the new deal, reached on Thursday in The Hague.

"Between us, we want to make sure that electric cars do not stop at national borders," said Flemish energy minister Bart Tommelein.

The cross-border cooperation will include sharing information on the location of charging stations, the number of available slots and their pricing.

Drivers should also be able to use a pre-paid card from their country to pay for electric charging anywhere else in the Benelux.