This second part of the Deutschlandnetz tender will result in fast charging infrastructure being built at a total of 200 unmanaged service areas along German highways. The nationwide tender, initiated by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport and Autobahn, will ensure that the exponentially growing number of electric cars can charge reliably and quickly by increasing the number of fast charging stations. In addition, awarding multiple charge point operators licences to build charging infrastructure will ensure more competition along the highways.
Fastned has been awarded one of six lots. The 34 new sites are mainly located in northern Germany, allowing the company to build out its network there. Fastned will continue its mission to accelerate the transition to electric mobility by installing state-of-the-art fast charging stations with 400kW chargers, where charging takes just 15 minutes for a range of up to 300 kilometres, depending on the vehicle type.
“We can now offer our customers the Fastned service directly on the German highway for the first time,” said Linda Boll, Fastned’s country manager Germany. “This is a huge gain, both for us and for the expansion of the fast-charging infrastructure in Germany. Our 12-year experience in building and operating fast-charging infrastructure in many European countries makes us a reliable partner here.”
At the same time, Boll also sees potential for improvement in the plans for the tender. “So far, there are no plans to build restaurants and shops at the rest areas or to upgrade the sanitary facilities, which would make the sites a lot more attractive. In our opinion, real competition can only be created with a comprehensive and contemporary range of services at the charging station. We hope to enter into dialogue with Autobahn GmbH and the Federal Ministry in this regard and ultimately be able to offer our customers the best possible charging experience.”
The winners of the first part of the Deutschlandnetz tender, the so-called regional lots, were announced back in September 2023, with Fastned winning two lots comprising 92 in the so-called “search areas” in western and south-western Germany. The first Fastned station as part of this project was opened in Düren in December 2023.
The first stations as part of the current nationwide highway tender are expected to be built in 2025. Fastned will thus massively expand its network, especially in northern Germany.
