Germany to Lead Electric Mobility Market - Central Unit Established

01/22/2010

Berlin - Germany seeks to become the frontrunner in the field of electric mobility. A joint unit for electric mobility (GGE in German) of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology and the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development will be launched on February 1st. It will serve as the central point of contact for the federal government for all aspects of this future-oriented topic.

One million electric vehicles will be on Germany’s roads by the year 2020. This is the explicit goal of the federal government. As a leading international location for the automotive industry, Germany seeks an active role in shaping the future of emissions-free mobility and aims to become the leading market for electric mobility. The federal government has made EUR 500 million available to accelerate the market launch of efficient and affordable electric vehicles. Companies face a broad spectrum of investment possibilities, as German auto manufacturers are currently developing a variety of models and have already begun initial field testing.

Several parties representing diverse government perspectives are involved in the shaping of the National Development Plan for Electric Mobility. Alongside the economics and transportation ministries that are directing the joint agency, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety as well as the Federal Ministry of Education and Research are also participating. The new joint agency will foster cooperation between these actors. At the same time, the agency serves as the secretariat of the national electric mobility platform, an advisory council for the federal government that should bring together all important partners in this field. The agency will be located in the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology.