A significant backlog in the maintenance and renovation of German highway bridges is expected to persist into the next decade, according to Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder. Addressing concerns regarding infrastructure upkeep, Schnieder stated that the government aims to rehabilitate the 4,000 most critical bridges by 2032. While renovation efforts will continue beyond that date, the goal is to mitigate the risk of unexpected issues arising. Approximately one-third of this prioritized bridge network has already undergone necessary repairs.
Alongside infrastructure investments, the government is also focused on accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. Plans are underway to provide an exemption from vehicle registration fees (Kfz-Steuer) for private buyers of electric cars, with the provision tentatively slated for implementation in 2027. This initiative complements existing incentives, including special depreciation allowances already approved for companies investing in electric vehicle fleets.
The Transport Ministry is further committed to expanding the country’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Currently, Germany boasts approximately 170,000 charging points, positioning it among the leaders in Europe. Recognizing the need for continued growth, particularly for rapid charging capabilities, the ministry aims to further develop this network. Special attention is also being directed toward the increasing electrification of heavy-duty trucks, with projections indicating that 70% of newly registered heavy goods vehicles will be electric by 2030.
