The Metallurgical Union advocates for shopping centers to be obliged to set up charging stations for electric cars. “Large car parks in shopping centers and on motorways should be equipped with charging stations,” said IG Metall boss Jörg Hofmann. This should be done through regulatory law. Whether the goal of 15 million electric cars in Germany by 2030 will be achieved depends on the charging station and network infrastructure, said the union chairman.
15 percent public loaders on retail spaces
The German Trade Association (HDE) rejects the claim. “An obligation to set up charging stations in retail is neither expedient nor necessary,” said HDE general manager Stefan Genth on Wednesday in Berlin. At least 15 percent of all public charging points are already installed in retail areas. Every third quick charging point is in retail. However, the trading companies needed the freedom to choose the locations themselves. “Not every location is suitable for development. Market-driven expansion makes sense so that you don’t ignore needs with the watering can,” argued Genth.
“Everything too bureaucratic, too tedious”
In addition, an adapted subsidy is necessary, also for the charging stations in retail. “All of this is still too bureaucratic, too tedious and cannot be used by retailers, since the basic condition for this is that the parking areas are open around the clock, seven days a week. But that’s around 55 percent of the parking areas don’t,” said the association’s managing director.
(fpi)
