Germany's Master Plan for Charging Infrastructure II

Germany is advancing its efforts in electromobility with the "Master Plan Charging Infrastructure II." This plan serves as the federal government's comprehensive strategy to expand the charging infrastructure necessary for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. The goal is to have one million publicly accessible charging points by 2030 and to position Germany as a leading market for electromobility. This blog post provides an overview of the key strategies and measures of the Master Plan Charging Infrastructure II, with a focus on how these plans will impact companies involved in the expansion of the charging infrastructure.

Main Goals and Priorities

The Master Plan II is a crucial part of Germany's strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector by 48% by 2030 compared to 1990. Electrifying road transport and utilizing renewable energy are central to achieving this goal. The plan recognizes that while electric passenger cars are gaining traction, the transition for heavy-duty vehicles is still in its early stages. The main goal of the Master Plan II is to create a user-friendly charging infrastructure system that supports all electric road users. The vision is for charging to be as simple and convenient as refueling a conventional vehicle.

Financial Support Measures

The federal government is determined to promote the expansion of the charging infrastructure through financial support. The plan uses both competitive tenders and grants to mobilize private investments. These incentives aim to foster the development of a reliable and attractive charging network for consumers while providing planning security for vehicle manufacturers. A focus is on promoting the use of renewable energy sources for charging electric vehicles. The government is exploring ways to enable the use of self-generated renewable energies for private charging infrastructure, thus aligning with the overarching goal of expanding photovoltaic systems (PV).

The Role of Key Players

The "Master Plan Charging Infrastructure II" emphasizes the importance of collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders. Key participants include:

Interministerial Steering Group for Charging Infrastructure (ISLa): This group, led by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), coordinates the efforts of the various ministries and ensures cooperation in integrating the charging infrastructure into the power grid.

National Coordination Centre for Charging Infrastructure (NLL): Commissioned by the BMDV, the NLL supports the government in planning and implementing the expansion of the charging infrastructure.

Petroleum Industry: This sector is to equip a significant percentage of its gas stations with fast-charging infrastructure, contributing to a broader availability of charging points.

Autobahn GmbH: Starting in 2023, this entity is responsible for tendering the demand for car charging points at service areas.

Monitoring and Addressing Deficits

To ensure the effective expansion of the charging infrastructure, the Master Plan II includes a robust monitoring concept. The BMDV and the NLL are tasked with identifying deficits and maldevelopments in both public and non-public charging infrastructure. Key performance indicators include the cumulative installed charging capacity, the number of charging points, and the utilization of charging infrastructure for cars and trucks.

Data Transparency and Reporting

Data is essential for effective planning and network expansion. The Master Plan II emphasizes the need for high-quality data and improved data sources, such as the Federal Network Agency's (BNetzA) charging station register. The NLL is responsible for making the data it collects accessible to municipalities and the public to support the development of local charging infrastructure. Furthermore, the plan requires the mandatory reporting of non-publicly accessible charging points to the BNetzA. This data is crucial for planning the demand for public charging infrastructure.

Support for Municipalities and Local Initiatives

The Master Plan II recognizes the critical role of municipalities and includes measures to empower them. The NLL provides a template for local master plans to guide the development of charging infrastructure at the local level. These plans should include local goals, coordinating measures, and strategies for involving private actors.

Integration of Charging Infrastructure and Power System

The Master Plan II emphasizes the integration of charging infrastructure into the power grid. Improvements are possible through better coordination of the expansion and regulation of charging and power grids. The plan aims to enhance the interaction between the power grid and the charging infrastructure through controlled and bidirectional charging. To facilitate this integration, the BMWK is working on creating more transparency in planning charging locations through uniform network plans. These plans contain information about power lines and connection capacities and help in the efficient planning of charging locations.

Consideration of Commercial Vehicles' Needs

The Master Plan II also addresses the specific needs of electric commercial vehicles. Key measures include:

Analysis of the Charging Needs of Trucks: The BMDV and the NLL are tasked with determining the long-term needs for truck charging infrastructure.

Tendering for an Initial Truck Charging Network: The BMDV, together with Autobahn GmbH, plans the tender for constructing an initial truck charging network.

Financial Support for Truck Charging Infrastructure: The BMDV and BMWK are developing support measures for truck charging infrastructure at various locations.

Development of Use Cases and User Pathways for Electric Trucks: The NLL is developing a "User Journey E-Truck" to create a user-oriented vision for the future of charging.

Digital Tools and Knowledge Sharing

Digital tools and knowledge sharing play a key role in the Master Plan II. The NLL's LadeLernTOOL is a digital training tool designed to impart knowledge about charging infrastructure to municipalities. In addition, the NLL is developing a processTOOL to streamline municipal procedures and provide transparent information on the approval process for charging infrastructure. By implementing these measures, Germany aims to create a comprehensive and user-friendly charging infrastructure that supports the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and contributes to the country's climate goals.