Electric car competition: Germany is lagging behind when it comes to e-cars

Germany must achieve the goal of one million electric cars on German roads by 2020 ' act quickly, in a closed and targeted manner '. The networking of industries, branches of business and branches must be accelerated.

Billions for research and development

Industry and science propose an investment volume of four billion euros for research and development by 2013 in front. What part the federal government should play in this remained open. This is currently being examined by the relevant federal government departments (transport, economy, environment and science). In order to promote e-mobility in Germany, the government established the National Electromobility Platform on May 3rd with the industrial sectors involved as well as representatives from science and research.

Transport Minister Peter Ramsauer (CSU) emphasized that over concepts can be worked on beyond the development of electric cars. Be it in local transport, with rental systems or the interaction between rail and car. 'A little more effort is required before electromobility arrives on Germany's roads.' Economics Minister Rainer Brüderle (FDP) emphasized: 'With electromobility a new value chain is emerging that goes far beyond the classic automotive industry.'

No bonus for buying electric cars

A buying bonus for electric cars As in France, the report rejects it: 'The self-image is to leave the development of electromobility to the market as much as possible and only to regulate it as much as necessary'. Brüderle is against bonuses. The electric car must assert itself on the market.

The President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Matthias Wissmann, emphasized that German manufacturers and suppliers would invest ten to twelve billion euros in alternative drives over the next four years invest. 'The industry is making an enormous contribution,' said Wissmann. Now politicians are also challenged.