Germany issues new invitation for internet service provider bids
Germany Launches Second Phase of "Germany Network" for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
The second phase of the tender for the "Germany Network" initiative has begun, marking a significant step in the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the country. This phase focuses on the installation of fast-charging locations at unmanned rest areas along federal highways.
NOW GmbH, a state-owned company, is coordinating the "Germany Network" initiative, which aims to fill "white spots" on the charging map and bring Germany closer to nationwide charging infrastructure coverage. The tender involves the construction and operation of 200 new fast-charging locations in six nationwide lots. Each lot contains 32 to 34 sites, with each site adding 140 to 166 new high-performance fast-charging points at unmanned rest areas along highways.
The government's goal is to make charging as easy as refueling and turn it into a daily routine, bringing people along on the path towards future mobility and climate neutrality. The expansion of infrastructure for medium and long-distance travel is the aim of the highway lot tender for 200 unmanned parking spaces.
Private companies, including Fastned, are building and operating many of these sites. Fastned, for instance, plans to operate 34 locations along the motorways. The network is designed so drivers can access a fast charger every ten minutes on major routes.
In addition to this, around 350 locations for truck fast chargers along federal motorways are also being equipped. Operated generally by Autobahn Tank & Rast GmbH, this project faces legal challenges from competitors Tesla and Fastned.
The "Germany Network" is a key component of the federal government's Master Plan for Charging Infrastructure, with the aim to ensure nationwide access to fast-charging infrastructure. The rollout is expected to complete by 2026, providing accessible charging infrastructure across urban and rural motorway areas.
Interested companies can submit their applications until January 25, 2022. This network expansion is a critical part of Germany’s Master Plan for Charging Infrastructure II and reflects a major government push to support e-mobility on highways.
| Aspect | Details | |--------|---------| | Tender phase | Second phase focusing on fast chargers at unmanned rest areas on federal highways | | Number of planned sites | Around 200 unmanned rest area fast-charging stations | | Total fast charging points | Part of broader plan for 9,000 new fast charging points nationwide | | Key operators | Private companies like Fastned (34 locations) and Autobahn Tank & Rast (for truck chargers) | | Completion target | By 2026 | | Objective | Ensure EV drivers have access every 10 minutes on motorways; support electric heavy vehicle adoption | | Legal context | Some legal challenges ongoing regarding concessions in the truck charging project |
- The second phase of the tender for the "Germany Network" initiative involves the construction and operation of 200 fast-charging locations for electric vehicles (EV), focusing on unmanned rest areas along federal highways.
- This expansion of the charging infrastructure is part of Germany's Master Plan for Charging Infrastructure II, with the aim to ensure nationwide access to fast-charging points by 2026.
- The "Germany Network" initiative extends to various sectors of transportation, such as public-transit, automotive, and energy, as it targets the expansion of charging infrastructure for both passenger vehicles and heavy trucks.
