The European Commission has approved a scheme worth €1.8bn (£1.5bn) to support the roll out of high power charging (HPC) infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) across Germany.
The legislative body claims that this aligns with the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ ambition to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
The scheme is expected to establish a network of HPC infrastructure for EVs in urban, suburban and rural areas.
In total, 8,500 HPC points are set to be installed in 900 locations, which should support recharging sessions of 15 to 30 minutes.
Specifically, those behind the scheme hope to implement infrastructure in areas which are currently lacking, with funding for the infrastructure coming both from direct grants and recurring payments.
Eligible companies will need to possess expertise in the construction and operation of recharging infrastructure. Funding will be allocated through a competitive bidding process.
“This €1.8bn scheme will enable Germany to roll out the necessary high-power charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in urban, suburban and rural areas,” said Margrethe Vestager, executive VP in charge of competition policy at the European Commission.
“The scheme will accelerate the deployment of electric mobility and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the European Green Deal objectives, while limiting undue competition distortions.”
The commission has said that the approved scheme is ‘necessary and appropriate’ to support the deployment of a HPC infrastructure network, and that the measure could provide an incentive for the wider adoption of electric mobility options.
