exclusive
When it comes to e-cars, there is still reluctance in Germany. Minister of Transport Wissing now wants to promote the charging infrastructure with new programs – from photovoltaic systems to charging stations and storage systems.
The sales figures are increasing, but the electric car is currently having a difficult time with German drivers. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority, only around 17 percent of the almost 250,000 newly registered vehicles were electric cars last month. The reason for this, in addition to the higher prices, is also the concern of many drivers about the lack of charging options.
Transport Minister Volker Wissing is now announcing a comprehensive funding program just in time for the charging infrastructure conference of the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport. “We will soon be launching two further funding offers to support private households in building charging stations with their own power supply and companies in setting up fast-charging infrastructure,” explained the minister.
With a total volume of 500 million euros, three important aspects of the charging infrastructure are to be supported in private residential buildings: charging station, photovoltaic system and storage. The program is thus also aimed at promoting self-sufficiency, according to the Ministry of Transport in a letter to the ARD Capital Studio available exclusively. The program is scheduled to start in autumn 2023 and only applies to the charging station, photovoltaic system and storage unit as a package.
Tens of thousands of applications expected
The National Center for Charging Infrastructure estimates that around 60 to 85 percent of all charging processes take place at home or at work. The funding program of the Ministry of Transport should start there and thus make the use of e-cars in Germany more attractive as part of the existing “Master Plan Charging Infrastructure II”.
The Ministry of Transport expects a high five-digit number of applications from private households. The program is to be financed via the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF), a special fund of around 35 billion euros. As with previous programs, the applications are to be processed via the state development bank KfW. The BMDV intends to announce the level of individual funding at a later date.
promotion for fast charging infrastructure
As early as 2020, the federal government was promoting private charging stations as well as those of companies and municipalities. At that time, however, only charging stations and their installation were funded. The volume for private charging stations was 800 million euros, for commercial charging points 350 million. However, the funds for this have already been exhausted, which is why there is currently no funding for private charging infrastructure at federal level. The new program resumes funding for private charging infrastructure and supplements it with funds for photovoltaic systems and storage.
According to the Ministry of Transport, another program is intended to support the development of a fast charging infrastructure and a network connection for the operation of commercially used cars. A further 400 million euros are to be made available for this purpose. The start is already planned for the summer.