EV charging in Germany struggles with bureaucracy and costs

Germany's EV charging crisis slows growth despite Ionity's €600M expansion plan

Electric Mobility Hinges on Reliable, Affordable Charging—But Germany Is Lagging

The success of electric mobility depends on a dependable and affordable charging infrastructure. Yet in Germany, high prices at fast-charging stations and the sluggish expansion of EV charging networks continue to spark debate. In an interview with Berlin's Tagesspiegel, Ionity CEO Jeroen van Tilburg addressed these challenges head-on, calling on both customers to adjust their expectations and German authorities to streamline bureaucracy.

A quick recap: Ionity, founded in 2017 as a joint venture, is backed by German automakers BMW, Mercedes, and the Volkswagen Group, along with Ford, Hyundai Motor Group (including Kia), and, since 2021, the investment firm BlackRock.

Van Tilburg pushes back against the widespread notion that charging prices are fundamentally too high. "People compare the cost of public charging with their household electricity rates, which are naturally much lower. But that's like comparing the price of tap water to bottled water at a highway rest stop," he argues. Pricing, he explains, is only partially in the hands of charging network operators: "Multiple cost factors come into play. One-third goes to the electricity itself—and two-thirds of that is determined by the government through grid fees, taxes, and levies. As a company, we have no control over those. The same goes for the cost of grid connections." Those, too, are beyond their influence.

He also highlights the time savings fast charging provides: While charging an EV at home with 3.7 kilowatts takes twelve hours, Ionity's stations—with capacities up to 350 kilowatts—can do the job in just 20 minutes. Customers who commit to a contract for at least a year also benefit from lower rates. "The headlines focus on prices over 80 cents per kilowatt-hour, but studies show that 83 percent of German EV drivers have never or very rarely paid that much."

"German Bureaucracy Wastes Time and Resources"

Van Tilburg believes the most effective way to lower prices would be to accelerate the shift to e-mobility: Only with more EVs on the road can fixed costs be spread more thinly. But Germany's complex regulatory landscape is holding back progress.

"In some countries, we can build charging parks in just three months. In Germany, it takes up to two years," he laments. Grid connections are a major bottleneck. "And the sheer number of grid operators across different federal states adds enormous complexity. Every charging park is treated as a one-off project. German bureaucracy devours time and resources."

He urges Germany to simplify procedures, introduce nationwide standardization, and set firm deadlines for grid operator approvals.

Industry Pre-Investments and Criticism of the VDA

Despite these hurdles, van Tilburg insists Ionity is on track. By 2030, the company plans to invest up to €600 million to expand its network to 13,000 charging points. Ionity has already posted positive EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) for three consecutive years—a rarity among charging point operators (CPOs).

Still, the market remains tough. In Europe, 70 percent of fast-charging stations currently operate at a loss. While roughly 100 vehicles per charger are needed for profitability, the current average is just 60. The charging industry has made advance investments, van Tilburg says, but vehicle adoption is lagging.

He partly blames Germany's debate over the EU's proposed 2035 combustion engine phaseout for the slow progress. "The issue isn't the 2035 target itself—it's how it's being framed in Germany. Ninety-two percent of EV drivers are happy with their choice. They don't want to go back to combustion engines. That says it all. But the VDA [German Association of the Automotive Industry] and CDU leader Friedrich Merz are fueling uncertainty. The biggest obstacle isn't the technology or the infrastructure—it's the hesitant mood this debate has created." Ionity has since left the VDA and now represents its interests through the E-Mobility Germany association.

"The Future Is Just Around the Corner"

From a technological standpoint, van Tilburg—who previously worked for industry giants like Tesla, Google, and Netflix—looks to the future with optimism. The Silicon Valley mindset—pushing boundaries and refusing to take no for an answer—also defines Ionity's approach. The company is currently testing megawatt charging: two sites in France already offer power outputs of up to 1,000 kilowatts (HYC 1000), and this technology will soon be available in Herten, North Rhine-Westphalia. Charging speeds for electric vehicles at Ionity stations are also being incrementally increased.

Van Tilburg explains: "We're starting with 600 kilowatts per charging point and will see how the market evolves. The future is just around the corner."