Who's to Blame for Germany's Unprofitable Public Charging Points?

The German power industry added 25% more public charging points for electric cars in 2017, and they’re blaming the auto industry for low fiscal returns.

The lobbying group, BDEW, is attacking the auto industry for not producing enough affordable electric cars and thereby making public charging points an unprofitable venture. I’d point out the obvious – that a public-facing industry is beholden to the whims and desires of said public – but I’m guessing the BDEW isn’t overly concerned with market trends.

“If electric mobility is to achieve a breakthrough in Germany in the next few years, then the car industry has to offer models to the market that can compete on price and performance with the combustion engine,” said BDEW managing director Stefan Kapferer.

Again, I’d point out the sheer multitude of factors effecting what goes on sale at the auto dealer, but the BDEW doesn’t care what consumers want – unless it dovetails with their agenda.

Germany currently has less than 100,000 battery-powered vehicles on the road – well-short of their goal of 1 million EVs by 2020 – and while some might question the overall viability of electric vehicles (at this stage of battery development), others blame the folks selling the stuff.

Just make cheaper EVs available for sale, right?

I’m very supportive of electric and hybrid vehicles, but the BDEW is dealing with some misplaced anger.