Fastned comes to the German highways, winning 34 sites in “Deutschlandnetz” highway tender
- First Fastned sites on German highways are located in Northern part of the country
- Tender is of great importance for the expansion of a nationwide fast charging infrastructure network on the German highways
- First fast charging stations to be opened in 2025
- Fastned still sees room for improvement in the tender conditions for the best possible customer experience
Fastned, the European fast charging company, has won one lot in the so-called “Deutschlandnetz” tender giving the company the opportunity to build fast charging stations at 34 highway service areas - an important step towards Fastned's goal of one thousand fast charging stations across Europe by 2030. 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.
Fast charging infrastructure is essential for a successful mobility transition, especially on highways. After all, drivers want to be able to charge their car quickly without any detours or loss of time and continue their journey for the next hundreds of kilometres. The nationwide tender, initiated by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport and Autobahn GmbH, 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 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. The company 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.
A big step forward, but full service is needed to make sites more attractive
We can now offer our customers the Fastned service directly on the German highway for the first time. 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 search areas. 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.
Read the press release about Fastned's award of the regional lots as part of the “Deutschlandnetz” tender here.
Fastned is on a mission to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. Since 2012, we’ve been at the forefront of European charging infrastructure development, building and operating a rapidly growing network of iconic fast charging stations. Our yellow, nature-inspired stations create a welcoming environment for drivers during the 15 minutes it takes to charge up to 300 km of range. By offering Europe’s most reliable, convenient and joyful charging experience, we aim to inspire millions to drive on solar and wind energy so that together we can curb climate change. Fastned is listed at Euronext Amsterdam (AMS: FAST).