As announced since earlier this year, Germany plans to become the leader of the EV-friendly markets by 2020, with some one million electric vehicles to be running on Germany's roads by then. But for that to happen, a set of standards had (and still has) to be devised by both the government and the involved car makers.
“We are striving for global standards to achieve the greatest possible synergies of national and international concepts, primarily to best serve the interests of the customer," said Michael Dick, Audi member of the board for Technical Development and at the same time the chairman of the Standardization and Certification working group.
The government will be trying to help boost EV sales by a series of measures, including free parking in inner cities and the possibility for EVs to use bus lanes. Car makers will be supported with developments funds. Until now, some 190 projects in this field have already receiving state money.
The car makers will focus on developing standards and solutions for charging interface, charging stations and battery safety.
"Electric vehicles promise a new world of mobility. The critical hurdles are efficient and cost-effective battery systems," said Economics Minister Rainer Bruederle when the program was announced. "Mass production in Germany needs to happen quickly to strengthen the key automobile production sector in our country."
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