Fast electric vehicle chargers for German Autobahn

Eight direct-current (DC) fast charging stations have been installed along the German A9 Autobahn connecting Munich, Nuremburg, and Leipzig, marking the first stage of a nationwide project to install public electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

The eight stations are to be operated by the Berlin-based Allego and mark the first of nine charging infrastructure projects for the country’s freeway system, supported by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. The A9 network chargers were installed by BMW, E.ON and Siemens.

The stations have been installed at freeway service and rest areas directly along the A9. They are located at Schweitenkirchen, Ingolstadt, Lauf, Himmelkron, Selbitz, Hermsdorf, Schkeuditz, and Dessau. The charge station in Dessau connects this network with that of a separate Berlin–Brandenburg showcase project, making it possible for EVs to also travel between Munich and Berlin.

Users can pay for the electricity via a pay-as-you-go scheme using text messages, and a contractual e-roaming scheme administered by a mobility-services provider. As part of the project, data were gathered on user experience which will feed into other projects in Germany, supporting the operation of a national DC charge infrastructure.

The ‘Electric mobility showcase research programme’ saw the German government select four regions of Germany in 2012 to serve as ‘Electric Mobility Showcases’ where it would support EVs in general – including the vehicles themselves and how they will interface with the energy and transport systems.