Analysis: EV charging in Germany grows but unevenly across states

The number of publicly accessible charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) in Germany continues to grow, but availability varies widely by state, according to an analysis by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).

As of October 1, Germany had about 180,000 public charging points, including around 44,250 fast chargers, up 16% from the same date last year. Total publicly available charging capacity rose about 30% to more than 7.3 million kilowatts.

The analysis is based on data from the Federal Network Agency and the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).

Despite the growth, the ratio of EVs to public chargers has improved only slightly. By July 1, there were about 16.7 EVs per charging point, down from 17.3 last year.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Thuringia offer the best coverage, with just 11.7 EVs per charger, while Saarland has the lowest, with 24.6 EVs per charger.

Thuringia also leads in fast charger availability, with one fast charger for every 32 EVs, compared with the national average of 70.6. Saarland again ranks lowest with about 103 EVs per fast charger. The VDA noted structural differences, including a smaller EV fleet in eastern German states.

The VDA warned that growth remains too slow. "Consumer confidence in being able to charge quickly and easily anytime and anywhere is central to the acceptance of electromobility," VDA chief Hildegard Müller said, calling for faster expansion.

A separate study of highway charging infrastructure by Germany's ADAC motoring organization found more than half of 25 service areas and auto hubs rated poor or very poor, with some stations having defective chargers or lacking shelter and lighting.