Utility association BDEW has revealed an impressive 45% increase in electrical charging capacity in Germany for the year 2023, totaling 5.4 gigawatts spread across 118,163 public charging points. This expansion reflects a sustained effort to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles in the country.
Problems of under-utilization
Despite this growth, many charging points remain under-utilized. Barely 3% of registered cars in Germany are fully electric, with 1.41 million vehicles at the start of 2024, far short of the target of 15 million EVs (electric vehicles) by 2030. This raises questions about current policies and the need for a more effective strategy to stimulate EV sales.
Barriers and opportunities
According to Kerstin Andreae, Managing Director of BDEW, the main barrier to adoption is the high price of electric vehicles. Currently, only three models are offered at a price below 30,000 euros ($32,100), severely limiting affordability for consumers. In addition, a recent court ruling on the federal budget led to the abolition of purchase subsidies of up to 9,000 euros per electric vehicle, resulting in a 14% year-on-year drop in EV sales in the first quarter.
Fast charging infrastructure
Ultra-fast charging points (over 150 kW) increased by 50% in one year, reaching 12,014 units. This evolution is crucial to supporting the continued growth of the EV market, by reducing charging times and improving the user experience.
Germany continues to make progress with its charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, but faces significant challenges in meeting its ambitious climate targets. Policy adjustments and technological innovations will play a key role in achieving these objectives.
