Some 27 loading stations for electric cars have been brought into service so far this year, as part of a network of 50 such stations that will be operating in Germany by the end of the year. Electricity from the stations is given free of charge to all owners of electric vehicles until the end of 2011, motoring association ADAC told the DPA German Press Agency.

The loading stations, with a one-hour loading time, provide energy for an average range of up to 100 kilometres. The ADAC said its participation in building up the countrywide network is only the first step in a programme to boost electromobility.