E-mobility continues to gain momentum, but the highway charging network isn’t expanding fast enough. A new ADAC analysis shows that reliable fast charging remains a critical bottleneck—especially on long-distance routes.
By Jan Nintemann und Jochen Siegle; Photo: Natalia Blauth via Unsplash
Almost two million electric vehicles are now on German roads, and registration numbers continue to rise steadily.
However, growth could be much stronger if the charging infrastructure better reflected the demands of modern mobility and usage patterns.
A current ADAC analysis reveals that there are significant deficits, particularly along motorways—precisely where charging speed and availability determine travel quality, business mobility, and everyday usability.
Test Results Send a Clear SignalTestresultat mit deutlicher Signalwirkung
For the study, 50 charging locations on highways were evaluated—including gas and rest stops as well as privately operated truck stops. And the result is sobering: More than half of the locations were rated as inadequate or very inadequate, and no facility achieved the top rating of very good. 26 out of 50 locations did not meet basic requirements such as functional availability, payment options, or user comfort.
The analysis highlights that around two-thirds of EV drivers regularly or at least occasionally rely on motorway charging points—especially on long journeys, during holidays, or for business travel. Faulty chargers, missing card payment options, and insufficient charging power were recurring issues.
Charging as a Service Experience – or a Source of Frustration
For fleet operators, business travelers, and companies, a high-performance fast-charging network has become a strategic factor for location and competitiveness. Acceptable charging times of 20–30 minutes are only possible when sufficient power is reliably available, no waiting times occur, and the charging break can be used productively.
As a result, service quality and comfort during charging are becoming increasingly important: covered charging bays, accessible and clean restrooms, food services and relaxation areas, and even coworking spaces during the charging period. The charging stop is evolving from a “technical pause” to part of the overall “mobility experience.”
Policy and Industry Facing Key Decisions
While the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) sees progress in the expansion, it also shows that 38% of e-drivers still perceive significant gaps in the highway network.
The planned Germany network with over 1,000 new fast-charging parks therefore remains central – and, according to industry and mobility associations, should be implemented by 2026 without delay.
Implications for Energy, Infrastructure & Mobility Providers
The ADAC test makes one thing clear: Germany’s charging network is mid-transformation, not yet at its goal. The next development steps are clear: Expanding charging capacity and grid performance, implementing digital networking through load management and predictive maintenance, upgrading charging hubs into service-oriented mobility centers.
The future of e-mobility is being shaped not only inside vehicles but along Europe’s transportation corridors.
Continuing the Discussion – at Transform IT Europ
Charging infrastructure will also be a key topic at TransformIT Europe 2026, the trade fair and conference taking place in May 2026. Infrastructure operators, energy providers, mobility companies, fleet managers, and municipalities will meet there to accelerate the next phase of development.
Fastned B.V., a partner of TransformIT Europe 2026, will also be present. Fastned is an innovative Dutch e-mobility company that builds and operates a network of publicly accessible charging stations for electric vehicles across several European countries.
Fastned places great emphasis on design and service quality: its charging stations are “inspired by nature,” featuring materials like wood, solar-paneled roofs (“solar tree” canopies), and seating areas to create a pleasant environment during charging.
Sources & Links
- https://www.fastnedcharging.com/de/ueber-uns/ueber-fastned
- https://www.br.de/nachrichten/wirtschaft/adac-kritisiert-ladestationen-an-den-autobahnen,V17r8hg
- https://www.deutschlandnetz.de/
- https://vision-mobility.de/news/fastned-mit-rekordumsatz-schnellladenetz-waechst-auf-neun-laender-und-380-stationen-387622.html
- https://www.elektroauto-news.net/news/europa-vergleich-strompreise-elektroauto-laden
- https://www.elektroauto-news.net/news/analyse-deutschland-bleibt-leitmarkt
