Germany to push forward electric car infrastructure development

The German government said on Wednesday it plans to speed up the expansion of its charging network for electric cars, reported dpa.

Berlin has a goal of setting up 1 million publicly accessible charging points in Germany in 2030. So far, there are around 70,000 of the charging points, which are vital to help electric car owners make longer journeys in vehicles that often have a limited range.

Some €6.3 billion ($6.16 billion) is being set aside to speed up the development of electric car infrastructure.

"We have no time to lose," Wissing said. E-mobility will only find acceptance if charging is as easy as refuelling, and rural areas must not be left behind, he said.

"The world is watching us," said Wissing, explaining that the huge German car industry is aiming to also become a leading hub for electric vehicles and infrastructure.

The construction of charging points in residential areas or at petrol stations is to be pushed forward, in a plan agreed with the industry as well as with the federal states and municipalities, he said.