EnBW Assures No Shortage in Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

The expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Germany has progressed significantly in recent years. As of February 1, 2025, the Federal Network Agency reported a total of 161,628 public charging points across the country, reflecting an increase of approximately 30,000 compared to the start of the previous year. However, data from the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) indicates that during the second half of 2024, an average of only 17 percent of publicly accessible charging points were in use at any given time.

While these statistics appear promising, the reality varies greatly by region. Many rural areas still lack comprehensive charging infrastructure, leading to significant disparities in charging point utilization. This situation is critical for providers since low usage translates to reduced revenue. In light of this, energy company EnBW has adjusted its expansion targets. According to CEO Dirk Güsewell, there is currently no shortage of charging infrastructure, particularly in economically viable locations.

EnBW plans its charging station size based on anticipated demand over the next five years. Many charging points that are not currently utilized are expected to see increased usage as the number of electric vehicles rises. Factors influencing these projections include the growth of electric vehicle registrations and the existing charging infrastructure, along with the number of users who charge at home.

According to the BDEW, only one in five charging points is utilized above average, meaning four out of five are used less than 17 percent of the time. Furthermore, a report from the automotive publication Automobilwoche reveals that about a quarter of charging points in Germany have not been used at all. This underscores considerable regional variations in charging point utilization, which the BDEW notes can range from 3 to 40 percent. In some areas, as few as 3 percent of charging points may be occupied at any time, while 97 percent remain available for electric vehicle drivers.

The reasons behind these differences are multifaceted, as explained by BDEW Chief Kerstin Andreae. Factors such as the number of electric cars, the density of charging points in a region, and the availability of private charging options all contribute to varying levels of utilization. Additionally, a spokesperson from the Federal Ministry of Transport noted that analyzing average usage rates does not capture the full complexity of charging behaviors, which can be influenced by factors like pricing structures and the overall experience at charging locations. Usage patterns can also fluctuate significantly throughout the day depending on the time, type of area, and seasonal trends.

Andreae emphasized that the current low simultaneous usage rates indicate that the growth of charging infrastructure is outpacing the increase in electric vehicles in Germany. The energy and charging sectors have been investing in electric mobility for several years, and competition in the establishment of charging points has proven effective. However, she highlighted the need for a clear signal to boost demand for electric vehicles. Key considerations include maintaining European fleet emissions standards and promoting more affordable vehicle models. Güsewell from EnBW echoed this sentiment, stating that sustainable incentives for electric vehicle purchases, rather than broad infrastructure expansion subsidies, are essential for fostering a targeted increase in electric mobility.

Currently, EnBW operates over 6,000 direct current (DC) charging points nationwide, with capacities of up to 400 kW. On average, EV drivers can find a charging point every 50 kilometers. In late March, EnBW's CEO Georg Stamatelopoulos announced a reduction in the company's expansion target for 2030 from 30,000 to 20,000 charging points, attributing this to the slower growth of electric mobility. However, he views this as a timing adjustment rather than a change in the long-term trend.