VDA President Hildegard Müller regarding Building Modernization Act

"The amendment to the Building Electromobility Infrastructure Act, introduced as part of the Building Modernization Act, represents a fundamentally important step for the expansion of charging infrastructure in Germany. Transposing European requirements into national law supports the continued ramp-up of electromobility—particularly regarding charging at retail locations, in residential areas, in underground garages, and at the workplace.

At the same time, the legislation regrettably falls short of what is needed to ramp up the market: Germany is limiting itself to minimum requirements, thereby missing the opportunity to decisively accelerate the expansion of charging infrastructure. It is also a matter of concern that existing residential buildings remain excluded, leaving a key source of potential for expanding charging infrastructure untapped. Access to charging infrastructure in the immediate residential environment and at the workplace is crucial, particularly for households in apartment buildings and for individuals who do not have their own parking space or wallbox.

The fact is that a comprehensive, high-performance, and affordable charging infrastructure is essential for the successful ramp-up of electromobility. Consumers need the assurance that they can charge their vehicles anytime, anywhere, and at affordable prices. It is now crucial to systematically remove existing barriers—for instance, by accelerating grid expansion and digitizing grid connection procedures. At the same time, the Federal Government should advocate for more ambitious targets regarding the expansion of charging infrastructure at the European level. Only in this way Germany can live up to its ambition of being a leading market for electromobility."