Electromobility is more in demand than ever - Despite Corona crisis

ELECTROMOBILITY 2020 - WHAT HAPPENED

Electromobility is now benefiting from increasing subsidies. For example, the environmental bonus for the purchase of an electric car has been increased to up to 9,000 euros for registration after June 4, 2020. The number of new registrations has multiplied as a result. Since the beginning of the year, there have been over 194,163 new registrations of pure electric cars and over 200,000 new registrations of plug-in hybrids (as of 12/20). But it's not just when you buy an e-car that you can actively claim subsidies. Since 11/24/20, you can also receive KfW funding for private charging stations with 11 kW nationwide. The list of eligible models can be viewed on the KfW site. And this measure is having a big impact. So far, over 85,000 applications for funding have already been received. Furthermore, apartment owners and tenants have been entitled to the installation of private charging infrastructure at their parking space since December 1, 2020. In addition, special green electricity tariffs are offered by energy suppliers for private charging points, which can save you even more on the bottom line. The purchase of an electric vehicle is therefore more worthwhile than ever at the moment and explains the sharp rise in registration figures.

CURRENT TREND DEVELOPMENT IN ELECTRIC MOBILITY

The trend is therefore increasingly towards electric vehicles - for private use as well as for business. According to market forecasts, more electric vehicles will be registered than petrol cars by 2035. In a recent survey by an energy company, more and more people say they would want to switch to electric mobility if the charging infrastructure in public spaces were expanded even more intensively. Environmental awareness and the urge to want to act and live sustainably are now stronger than ever in view of the climatic conditions. This is also noticeable in the automotive industry. But despite this, many people do not want to give up the comfort that a petrol or diesel car offers them - especially when it comes to charging. In 2020 alone, 10,056 new charging points were therefore installed in addition to the existing 24,000 in public spaces. The federal government wants this number to grow further to 50,000 public charging points by the end of 2021. However, the majority of charging processes, approx. 85%, take place at home or at work. No wonder, because charging conveniently from home or the shop saves time, money and is even more comfortable than having to drive to the petrol station. The new subsidy will certainly further strengthen this trend.

The growing demand has another major advantage. Better and more environmentally friendly technologies are being developed, which can be seen, for example, in the increasing range of electric vehicles. For example, The Netherlands Organisation has developed a new technology called SALD together with the Fraunhofer Institutes. Special battery cells are expected to almost triple the range of electric vehicles as early as next year.

POLITICAL GOALS IN THE FUTURE FOR GERMANY AND THE EU

Electromobility is also becoming increasingly important in politics. The much-discussed driving bans in inner cities and the reduction of greenhouse gases are just two of the goals that the federal government wants to achieve by promoting electromobility. From 2021, a penalty will be due for entrepreneurs whose company fleet exceeds the specified pollutant values. It is therefore becoming increasingly attractive for companies to convert their fleet to electromobility. But electric vehicles can also circumvent the inner-city driving ban. By 2023, the aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent through electric mobility and green electricity. According to the Federal Government's plans, 10 million electric vehicles should be on German roads by the end of 2030. To achieve this, the innovation premium will be extended until 2025 and electric cars will continue to be exempt from vehicle tax for 10 years.

But the subsidies and grants do not yet convince every motorist to switch to the still quite expensive electric variant. That is why the government sees the greatest potential in the promotion of small and very small cars. Manufacturers are called upon to offer low-cost variants so that electromobility becomes even more attractive for the smaller purse.

CONCLUSION: ELECTROMOBILITY IS THE FUTURE

The development up to the end of 2020 shows that something is moving, and moving in leaps and bounds. Also that electromobility is being made accessible to and adopted by an ever-growing audience, such as apartment building residents.