German transport minister calls for uniform Europe-wide e-car charging infrastructure
Focus Online
German transport minister Andreas Scheuer has called for a 鈥渨ell-developed and cross-border network of [charging] stations in Europe which guarantees uncomplicated and fast recharging鈥 for electric and hydrogen cars, Focus Online reports. Speaking at a Scheuer said that 鈥渂y electrifying transport alone, we can save millions of tons of CO2鈥. He also said he wants to tackle the issue of payment at these charging points. 鈥淚n addition to building up the grid, we have a lot of other things planned, especially in terms of customer friendliness,鈥 the politician explained. 鈥淲e want a Europe-wide standardised payment system for electricity charging and hydrogen refuelling.鈥
that the German Council presidency is looking to reform the EU directive on development of infrastructure for alternative fuels (AFID) to incorporate Scheuer鈥檚 ideas for a more uniform charging infrastructure. Germany itself is struggling with a lack of charging stations in its rollout of electric mobility. While the country aims to have seven to ten million electric cars on the roads by 2030, the sector grapples not only with overall numbers of charging points but also with local electricity monopolies that have resulted in huge price differences at electric vehicle charging stations.