German subsidies for private charging stations are used up, industry calls for more

Germany has used up all of its 800 million euro support payments for private e-car charging stations, reports Spiegel Online. Public development bank KfW has said that new applications can no longer be made, but ongoing applications are not affected. Germany has topped up the subsidies twice, adding a further 300 million euros in July. The transport ministry said more than 800,000 households have received a purchasing premium of 900 euros for wall-mounted charging stations, adding that the next government should continue this trend. 

Car industry association VDA called the subsidies an important addition to the support programmes for public charging infrastructure. "The enormous demand shows how important it is to expand charging options in the private sector. Now, corresponding measures for charging at the workplace and in the commercial sector must be launched quickly," said VDA president Hildegard Müller.

The roll-out of electric vehicles is seen as key to lowering emissions in the transport sector. But surveys indicate that concerns over a lack of charging stations are widespread, slowing the transition. "When people have the confidence to charge anywhere: at home, at work, in shopping areas and on public roads, the acceptance of electric mobility will continue to grow," Müller said.