A significant backlog of repairs to German highway bridges will continue to necessitate extensive work throughout the coming decade, according to Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder. Addressing concerns about the structural integrity of the country’s motorway network, Schnieder stated that the government’s goal is to renovate approximately 4,000 critical bridges by 2032. While work will continue beyond that date, the stated objective is to substantially mitigate the risk of unexpected structural issues. Approximately one-third of the planned renovations have already been completed.
Alongside infrastructure improvements, the government is also focusing on accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. A proposal to exempt private electric vehicle buyers from vehicle tax is under development, with hopes for implementation by 2027. This initiative complements existing measures, including the allowance for special depreciation for companies investing in electric vehicle fleets. The Ministry of Transport is prioritizing the expansion of charging infrastructure, particularly for fast-charging capabilities. Currently, Germany boasts approximately 170,000 charging points, placing the nation among the leaders in Europe, with further expansion planned. A similar focus on electrification extends to the commercial transport sector, with projections indicating that 70% of newly registered heavy goods vehicles will be electric by 2030.