Daimler, BMW, VW said to discuss extending EV charging network with German service station operator

FRANKFURT -- Daimler, BMW and Volkswagen are in discussions with a German autobahn service station operator about setting up a nationwide network of charging stations in the country, a German newspaper reported.

Tank & Rast, which is playing a key role in creating more charging points for EVs, is open to working with interested parties on developing the network further, the Bild Zeitung reported on Tuesday, citing industry sources.

Tank & Rast, Volkswagen and Daimler all declined to comment directly on the report.

A spokesman for Tank & Rast said the group was in "regular talks with interested parties" about how it could support future developments in transport.

Fast-charging points needed

Under a deal with the government, Tank & Rast, owned by a consortium led by insurer Allianz, will equip its roughly 400 service stations along German autobahns with fast-charging stations by the end of 2017.

As many as 7,100 fast charging points are needed by 2020, according to the National Electric Mobility Platform, an advisory body which includes executives from the car, engineering and utility industries.

This compares with 230 charging points currently, based on figures from German utility association BDEW.

Germany, the biggest car market in Europe, has launched a 1 billion euro ($1.1 billion) support scheme for electric cars, including 300 million for charging stations, hoping this will get more customers to overcome their misgivings and buy EVs.

The short distances which EVs can cover without being recharged and a lack of charging stations are the biggest obstacles to winning over drivers.

Fast-charging stations are able to reload car batteries within about 30 minutes, rather than up to eight hours that can be needed at older charging points.

Daimler and Volkswagen have both embarked on ambitious plans to extend their electric-car lineups in the next few years. Daimler's Mercedes-Benz brand has created the EQ nameplate for a series of battery-powered vehicles, with the first due by the end of the decade. VW Group has said it will introduce 30 electric cars, including Audi models, by 2025.

BMW, which currently sells the compact i3 EV and i8 plug-in hybrid supercar as part of its i subbrand, has said it also plans to add an electric Mini and BMW X3 SUV by the end of the decade.