Moderation of the German National Platform for Electric Mobility
Background and aims
Electric mobility is one of the keys not only to sustainable, resource-friendly and efficient mobility, but also to technological innovations in several different areas, new business models and the integration of mobility within the energy transition. Accordingly, Germany has committed to delivering the following ambitious policy goals by 2020:
- German industry shall be a leading global supplier.
- Germany shall be a leading global market.
- There shall be one million electric vehicles on the road in Germany.
Since this requires a concerted, ongoing effort across all the relevant industries and research disciplines, the Federal Government and industry established the German National Platform for Electric Mobility (NPE) in 2010. The platform facilitated a cross-sectoral dialogue between 150 high-level representatives of government, industry, academia, the trade unions and civil society, with the aim of jointly promoting the transition to electric mobility. As well as generating momentum, the NPE also acted as the main advisor to the Federal Government on this issue.
Together, the NPE’s members analysed the economic, social and environmental potential of electric mobility and made recommendations for achieving the goals of becoming a leading market and leading supplier. Having already formulated detailed roadmaps and market evolution scenarios, the NPE had all the necessary tools to evaluate, oversee and support the development of electric mobility in Germany. The NPE adopted a market-based, technology-neutral, systemic approach to its work. It addressed electric mobility from the customer’s perspective, recognising that consumers expect an attractive, integrated package encompassing everything from fast charging and an enjoyable driving experience to customised mobility services and renewable electricity.
The Platform was coordinated by acatech ever since the academy’s former President Henning Kagermann was appointed as NPE Chair in May 2010. An office at acatech’s Berlin premises supported the work of the NPE’s Chair and coordinated production of the NPE’s publications and communications, in close cooperation with the Federal Government’s Joint Agency for Electric Mobility (GGEMO).
In September 2018, the NPE presented its Progress Report 2018 – Market ramp-up phase to the Federal Government. The report reviews the electric mobility market ramp-up phase in Germany, presents the outlook for its ongoing development between now and 2025, and identifies a number of areas requiring urgent action by government and industry. Further progress towards the establishment of electric mobility in Germany has been made since the publication of the NPE’s previous progress report in 2014, and the basic requirements are now in place for a successful start to the mass market phase.
In accordance with the terms of the current government’s coalition agreement, a cabinet decision was adopted on 19.09.2018 converting the NPE into the National Platform Future of Mobility (NPM). The NPM addresses mobility from a holistic perspective, developing strategies and recommendations to secure competitive businesses and jobs, together with affordable, sustainable and climate-friendly mobility in Germany. The topics addressed by the NPE were integrated into the new Platform’s structures.
Further information
German National Platform for Electric Mobility (NPE)
Publications of the German National Platform for Electric Mobility (NPE)