EV Charging Prices in Germany Converge as DC Use Surges
Electric vehicle (EV) charging prices in Germany are experiencing a shift. Prices for both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) are converging at public storage charging stations, with a decrease in electricity costs after steady increases last year.
As of the end of March, the average cost of charging an EV at public storage charging stations in Germany was 70 cents per kWh for AC. Meanwhile, fast chargers saw an average cost of 75 cents per kWh for DC. This convergence comes as DC charging points are used more frequently, with a 37% increase in charging processes compared to the previous year.
Despite the recent decrease, electricity prices at charging stations remain two to three times higher than household electricity. However, the shift to EVs is driven by lower charging costs, not purchase premiums. Companies like Allego, Hubject, Bosch Road Services, FRYTE, and SBRS (Shell Group) are collaborating to improve interoperability and reservation systems, especially for trucks and fleets.
There were 166,124 public storage charging points available by the end of January, including approximately 3,600 Superchargers maintained by Tesla. However, there were significant outliers in electricity costs, ranging from 47 cents to 1.05 euros per kWh. The VDA calls for fair electricity prices and a rapid expansion of public storage charging infrastructure.
The convergence of AC and DC charging prices, along with the increased use of fast chargers, signals a shift in EV charging habits. While prices remain higher than household electricity, the lower costs compared to fueling combustion engines continue to drive the shift towards electric vehicles. Industry collaboration and infrastructure expansion are key to supporting this transition.
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