The German Federal Government has set an ambitious goal of one million electric cars on German roads by 2020 as part of its "National Electromobility Development Plan" drawn up by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi); the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (BMVBS); the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU); and the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) in accordance with the Integrated Energy and Climate Programme (2007) of the German Government. The National Electromobility Development Plan includes more than EUR 500 million in incentives for the development of vehicles, energy storage devices and infrastructure. This figure has subsequently been increased by a further EUR 1 billion to the end of the current legislative period as part of the government's Electromobility program.
Two key areas of research support are (i) the battery as the heart of future electric vehicles, and (ii) the development of smart energy efficiency, safety and reliability systems for electric vehicles. In addition, research and development in the area of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies will benefit from a total of EUR 500 million funding within the framework of a national innovation program. Germany has set itself the ambitious target of achieving a 34 million ton reduction in CO2 emissions by 2020. Auto manufacturers based in Germany have been quick to respond to the challenge. According to the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), more than 260 passenger car models produced in Germany already meet or are below the set CO2 target level.
Major focal points of the development plan include increasing R&D funding and implementing market change strategies to facilitate the future implementation of electric vehicles. The essential technologies required for electric and hybrid drives, energy storage and grid infrastructure are already being developed. Seventeen electric vehicle models produced by German car manufacturers were available in 2014.
The "Electric Mobility in Pilot Regions" program has allocated a total of EUR 130 million to eight pilot electric mobility projects to lay the ground for electric mobility roll-out and swift market penetration.
Established in 2010, the Joint Agency for Electric Mobility (GGEMO) coordinates all of Germany's electromobility activities. As such, it represents a solid base from which to further establish the country's electric mobility credentials.
The National Electric Mobility Platform (NPE) brings actors from politics, science and industry together to set out the road map for achieving the objectives of the National Development Plan for Electric Mobility.
"Showcase" and "Flagship" electromobility projects form the core of the Government Program Electromobility based on the recommendations of the second report of the National Platform for Electric Mobility.
National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Innovation Programme
Hydrogen is an excellent alternative energy and fuel source to fast-diminishing natural gas and petroleum resources. This program provides a common framework for a number of hydrogen and fuel cell research projects conducted by academic institutions and industry.
