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Berlin (dpa) - The federal government wants to push ahead with the development of a fast charging network for electric cars and thus enable drivers to drive longer distances.
The cabinet launched a corresponding bill on Wednesday.
Europe-wide tenders are planned to build a public fast charging network with 1000 locations by 2023. The stations should have an output of over 150 kilowatts.
"The next fast charging station must be reachable in a few minutes," said Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer (CSU).
Fast charging is particularly crucial for the long-distance suitability of e-cars.
According to the ministry, there are currently only around 20 charging points over 150 kilowatts, around 2.4 percent of all publicly accessible charging points.
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With the Rapid Charging Act, a build-up should initially be organized on demand.
The draft states that in the current early market phase there are too few profitable business models for the development and operation of a nationwide fast charging network that initially exceeds demand.
It can be assumed that only individual locations, especially on motorways, can be operated economically in the foreseeable future.
Funding programs alone are not enough, according to the ministry.
Therefore, long-term contracts with operators are now planned through tenders.
The federal government wants to select several operators who will then set up and operate the charging stations on its behalf.
"A comprehensive, quickly accessible and customer-oriented fast charging network is the key to ensure that customers continue to rely on electromobility," said the President of the Association of the Automotive Industry, Hildegard Müller.
The minimum required charging capacity would have to be based on the current state of the art and customer expectations for convenient charging.
"Free competition for the best customer solutions when building publicly accessible fast charging infrastructure must continue."
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The number of newly registered electric cars - driven by higher government premiums - has recently risen sharply.
However, petrol and diesel engines are still predominant.
Electromobility plays an important role in the federal government's climate protection program so that climate targets in transport can be achieved.
In addition to the fast charging law, the coalition is planning other projects to expand the charging network.
For example, the Bundestag is to vote on a law on Thursday to accelerate the expansion of charging infrastructure in buildings.
Specifically, it concerns the installation of line infrastructure in parking spaces, for example in residential buildings.
"All customers must be given the opportunity to easily set up a charging point at home," says Müller.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210210-99-380129 / 2