A charging station at every corner, i.e. a comprehensive charging infrastructure, is of no use if the plug does not fit. Fortunately, standards valid throughout Europe have been established, both for fast and normal charging of electric vehicles. On behalf of the BMVI, the National Centre for Charging Infrastructure under the umbrella of NOW GmbH coordinates and controls the activities to expand the charging infrastructure in Germany.
Development of charging infrastructure
The Federal Government has committed itself to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Germany by a total of 55 to 56 % by 2030 compared with 1990. To achieve these targets, road transport must be “electrified” quickly. This requires a comprehensive, needs-based and reliable charging infrastructure. Under the umbrella of NOW GmbH, the National Centre for Charging Infrastructure is pressing ahead with the rapid development of the German charging infrastructure. Its activities are based on the “Charging Infrastructure Master Plan” adopted by the Federal Cabinet.
The location tool for alternative fuel infrastructures is a planning tool that can be used to plan the nationwide charging infrastructure up to 2030 and calculate the further expansion requirements.
Plug Types
Across Europe there are now standardized charging plugs for fast and normal charging. The so-called type 2 plug for AC charging and the Combo 2 plug for DC charging of the combined charging system (CCS), or CCS plug, are the mandatory minimum standard within the European Union for public charging points. In Germany they are provided at every charging point. Another type of plug for DC charging of primarily Asian car manufacturers is the so-called CHAdeMO plug.