Germany Requires EV Chargers at Gas Stations as Pressure to offer e-Mobility Options Rises

Germany is sending shockwaves around the e-Mobility world by requiring all gas stations to offer electric vehicle charging options. The move is part of a $146 billion economic recovery plan that comes with incentives to promote electrification.

So what does that mean for the United States, where EV adoption is just ramping up?

Let’s read some tea leaves:

• 25% of car buyers considering an electric vehicle after seeing a decline in air pollution during the COVID-19 lockdown.
• 57% of new passenger cars sold will be electric by the year 2040. (Read: NEW cars)
• Energy storage costs will fall between 66% and 80% over the next decade. (Goodbye range worries. Hello long road trips!)

Now, Germany is going after one of the biggest roadblocks of EV adoption – availability of chargers.

“We know that 97% of the reason why [car buyers] aren’t buying electric cars is range anxiety. The German move is a way to try and fix this range anxiety since it means you know a petrol station is always open,” Diego Biasi, Quercus Real Assets told Reuters.

As for whether the U.S. will see anything like the action being taken in Germany, our EV team says it’s on the horizon.

“We believe this is likely to happen in the U.S. as well, either through new federal COVID-19 recovery legislation or through mandates in certain CARB states,” said Deepesh Nayanar, Global Head of GVR e-Mobility.

Americans only drive 37 miles a day, well within the range of any EV on the market today. Still, experts believe American car buyers see range as the biggest limiting factor.

Unlike other types of retail stores, gas stations are strategically located based on driving patterns. That distinct advantage is core to creating an efficient charging network.

“Our research with EV drivers shows the most important factors when picking a public charging location are safety, manned charging sites, food and beverage, clean restrooms and amenities, Nayanar said. “C-stores already check every box. And at this very moment, there are about 155,000 of them – one around almost every corner. It all adds up to opportunity.”

Have questions about e-Mobility or ready to get started? Contact Deepesh and his team today!