The association says that it recognised the importance of electric mobility early on and has already inaugurated a charging station at its offices in Berlin and has installed an “electric gas station” at its head office in Bad Homburg, which includes a facility for fast charging. EVs are used primarily for supply trips at the two aforementioned locations and for travelling to various appointments in Berlin and in the Rhine/Main area

However VDIK president Volker Lange said that framework conditions play a particularly important role for the expansion of alternative drive systems – and in particular of electric mobility.

He commented: ‘During the start-up phase with often low unit numbers, market penetration can be pushed only with corresponding market incentives. The difference in the price between an electric vehicle and a comparable vehicle with a combustion engine must be reduced for end users. The VDIK believes that initially purchase incentives in the amount of at least €5,000 will be necessary.’

Mr Lange added: ‘All in all, the VDIK is advocating a technology-independent promotion that will create investment security at least in the medium term. It is to consider all promising technologies. The international motor vehicle manufacturers offer clearly improved vehicles with combustion engines, natural and liquefied gas drive systems, hybrids, part of which are equipped with plug-in technologies or range extenders, pure electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles that are ready to go into production.’