BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - The German federal government aims to improve access to electric vehicle charging facilities in multi-unit residential buildings. To this end, a new 500 million euro subsidy program is being launched, with applications opening today. "We are significantly advancing electromobility and enhancing its user-friendliness," stated Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU).
According to the Ministry, Germany's approximately 20 million apartments in multi-family buildings include around 9 million parking spaces. A large majority of these are not yet equipped with charging infrastructure, representing significant expansion potential. The rollout of e-mobility is considered a central lever for climate protection, as the transport sector is currently failing to meet its climate targets.
The Ministry noted that funding will cover both the purchase and installation of private charging infrastructure, such as wallboxes, including the necessary technical components. Grid connections and required structural modifications are also eligible for subsidies.
Applications Open Until November
To qualify for funding, at least 20 percent of a multi-family building's parking spaces must be pre-wired, or at least 6 spaces must be electrified. The subsidy amount per electrified parking space is capped at 1,300 euros without an installed wallbox, 1,500 euros with a wallbox, or 2,000 euros for a charging point that supports bidirectional charging.
Eligible applicants include homeowners' associations, small and medium-sized enterprises, and private owners of rental properties, as well as housing associations and real estate companies with larger residential portfolios. Applications can be submitted until November 10, 2026.
The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) had previously highlighted an existing imbalance in charging access: "About three-quarters of EV owners currently live in their own houses, while only about a quarter live in rented or owner-occupied apartments. This figure underscores the need for action to improve charging options in multi-family buildings," VDA President Hildegard Müller urged in late March. She described the charging situation in multi-unit housing as critical./hoe/DP/zb
