Intelligent charge management meets semi-public depot charging: two platforms, one infrastructure

The roles are clear: IO-Dynamics handles the intelligent load and charge management with its fleet management software elephi – vehicle-specific, data-driven and focused on keeping the own electric fleet prioritised and supplied without conflict. Those who plan together with IO-Dynamics benefit from the start: elephi ensures that charging infrastructure is sized to fit – not over-engineered, but optimally utilised. Spare capacity that arises during off-peak hours can then be marketed in a targeted way – and that is exactly where Depotcharge comes in.

Depotcharge complements the system as a marketplace for semi-public charging: spare capacity is made visible and bookable for external fleets, with automated access via RFID or MAC address, full billing and monthly payouts. Access times, user groups and pricing are all set by the depot operator.

"Logistics companies investing in charging infrastructure today should be able to get the most out of that investment. Together with IO-Dynamics, we make exactly that possible: the own electric fleet runs reliably, and spare capacity becomes a source of economic value – for the operator and for other fleets in the region", says Joscha Specks, Co-Founder & CEO at Depotcharge.

Depot charging in practice: roll Firmengruppe implements charge management and semi-public charging

At the roll Firmengruppesite in Crailsheim, the collaboration is already live. IO-Dynamics handles the load and charge management for the fleet: three Volvo FH 540 Electric trucks, two vans and eight cars charge at six DC charge points, controlled via elephi. One of these charge points is additionally listed on the Depotcharge platform and available to external users for semi-public charging – with 240 kW charging capacity, as a drive-through solution without uncoupling, and at a transparent price of 32.9 ct per kWh plus a service fee of 2 ct per kWh. The site is conveniently located near the A6/A7 motorway interchange, making it particularly attractive for fleets that regularly pass through the region.

External fleets register with Depotcharge, the charge points appear on the platform and access is fully automated. Billing runs entirely in the background. For Roll, there is no additional effort – and the own electric fleet retains priority at all times.

The next step will deepen the integration further: IO-Dynamics will receive booking slot data from the Depotcharge platform directly into elephi. This means the charging schedule for the own fleet will know in advance when external vehicles are expected – and coordinate capacity accordingly. Depotcharge markets the available slots; elephi ensures the own electric fleet is never affected.

"The combination of intelligent charge management and semi-public depot charging is the logical next step for us. We make sure the own electric fleet never falls short – and that the charging infrastructure makes full use of its economic potential in the remaining time", explains Johann Olsen, CEO & Co-Founder of IO-Dynamics.

Charging infrastructure as a strategic asset for logistics operators

The partnership between IO-Dynamics and Depotcharge represents an approach that thinks beyond the individual operation. Semi-public depot charging is gaining traction across the logistics industry: a study by Fraunhofer ISI and the Öko-Institut commissioned by Transport & Environment shows that sharing depot charging infrastructure within logistics networks is playing a growing role in scaling up electric mobility in freight transport – particularly for small and medium-sized companies that do not have access to their own charging network.

For depot operators who want to see their charging infrastructure not as a cost but as a strategic asset, the combination of elephi and Depotcharge offers a clear, immediately actionable starting point – with full visibility, full control and a growing network of charging partners across Europe.

Want to find out how intelligent charge management and semi-public charging could work for your site? Get to know elephi: iodynamics.de

Find out more about Depotcharge: depotcharge.com

Now our platform has a new name: elephi.

With it comes an identity that clearly reflects what it stands for: for everyone who wants to run their fleet reliably and future proof.

“With elephi, our platform finally has the name that truly reflects what it represents. Our solution has grown over the years together with our customers, shaped by real operational challenges in running electric fleets. The new name makes visible what we stand for: reliability, intelligent control and electric mobility that is not complicated, but simply works and is economically viable.” – Johann Olsen, Founder and CEO of IO-Dynamics

Built from real operations. Designed for daily use.

elephi is already in use where it truly matters: with parcel and courier services, transport and logistics companies, and freight operators. Wherever vehicles must be ready on time and electricity can no longer be an unpredictable cost factor but must be planned, managed and allocated with precision.

elephi enables:

• Predictable charging instead of sudden power peaks, resulting in stable, calculable operating costs
• Tariff and PV optimised charging, using energy when it is cheapest or self generated
• Intelligent load management that reduces grid fees and keeps sites stable
• Centralised visibility and control of all charge points, vehicles and locations
• Automation where it saves effort, with manual intervention only when truly needed
• A modular and scalable system that grows with operational needs and integrates seamlessly into existing processes

Why elephi?

The name makes visible what our platform stands for. Like the elephant, elephi represents intelligence, reliability, strength and an excellent memory.

For our customers, that means:

• Reliable availability, vehicles are charged when they are needed
• Less stress and fewer errors, because charging processes run automatically in the background
• Noticeable cost reductions through tariff optimisation, PV integration and grid relief
• Less Excel and more transparency, with all charge points, energy flows and locations in one system
• Fast integration, compatible with existing systems and new requirements
• Future security, compliant with Section 14a EnWG and scalable for every stage of growth

elephi stands for a future built on substance

We remain IO-Dynamics. We remain the trusted partner to our customers, bringing experience, reliability and a clear direction.

 With elephi, our platform gains a strong identity and a clear perspective. 

The name is new. The solution remains strong.

👉 Discover elephi now

“Dynamic electricity tariffs only unlock their full potential when charging is intelligently managed. Together with IO-Dynamics, we are showing how companies can cut energy costs, make best use of renewable energy and scale their e-mobility,” explains Jan Rabe, CEO of Rabot Energy.

The all-in-one platform from IO-Dynamics plans charging processes proactively: it factors in tariff windows, routes and downtimes, PV generation and grid capacity. This ensures charging is cost-optimised, reliable and climate-friendly.

“Our mission is to make electric mobility efficient and profitable for fleets. Together with Rabot Energy, we combine smart charging management with dynamic electricity tariffs, creating real added value for budgets, operations and the environment,” stresses Johann Olsen, CEO of IO-Dynamics.

Real-world use in logistics

A regional logistics company is already demonstrating how this works in practice. Its depot operates eight Mercedes eActros electric trucks, charged via three DC fast-chargers with capacities of 150 kW and 400 kW, supported by a 425 kWp PV system.

IO-Dynamics’ smart charging and fleet management coordinates charging times and priorities based on routes and downtimes, integrating PV generation as a first choice. Surplus solar power generated at midday is stored for later use, while depot load peaks are smoothed. Combined with Rabot Energy’s dynamic tariff, the trucks are automatically charged in low-price windows – for example at night during low wholesale prices or when renewable energy availability on the grid is high.

The result: electricity costs drop by up to 25%, equating to annual savings of around €45,000. At the same time, the CO₂ footprint improves thanks to a higher share of renewable energy, while fleet reliability is maintained even in times of volatile electricity prices.

By joining forces, IO-Dynamics and Rabot Energy offer a powerful solution for fleet operators seeking to combine profitability with climate protection. Smart charging and dynamic tariffs prove that electromobility not only works in day-to-day operations but creates tangible benefits.

Both partners share a common drive: technical excellence, holistic thinking, and a commitment to creating sustainable impact through innovative solutions. In practice, this means combining IO-Dynamics’ intelligent energy management with SCHULZ’s turnkey charging infrastructure and system integration. A powerful combination – economically, ecologically, and technologically.

“With SCHULZ Systemtechnik, we’re gaining more than a partner – we’re gaining a powerhouse. Our solutions complement each other perfectly, enabling us to support companies on their journey to CO₂-neutral mobility with a fully integrated, scalable approach.”

Johann Olsen, CEO & Co-Founder of IO-Dynamics

From planning and implementation to operation, customers benefit from a well-coordinated team that reduces complexity and delivers end-to-end solutions. Especially in logistics and industrial environments – where time, cost, and energy efficiency are key – this partnership offers real added value.

“Our collaboration with IO-Dynamics has been a success story from the start – both professionally and personally. The combination of cutting-edge software and our experience in plant engineering creates the foundation for sustainable, system-based electric mobility.”

Christoph Zöller, Chief Sales Officer, SCHULZ Systemtechnik

Together, IO-Dynamics and SCHULZ Systemtechnik are building a strong foundation for future joint projects – actively driving the energy and mobility transition forward.

For more information about SCHULZ Systemtechnik, click here.

The planned network comprises approximately 350 locations, including both managed and unmanaged rest areas. Two key elements will interlock: the expansion of the distribution grid through network connection applications and the establishment of charging stations through funding bids. The tender for the first 130 unmanaged rest areas is scheduled for late summer 2024. 

The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) continues to assist companies in building fast-charging infrastructure for electric cars and electric trucks. With an investment program of €150 million, commercially used charging points and their corresponding network connections are to be promoted. This is intended to particularly benefit the transport and logistics sector.

Federal Minister Volker Wissing emphasizes the importance of commercial vehicles for the electrification of transportation and the achievement of climate protection goals. The funding facilitates the transition to environmentally friendly fleets for small and medium-sized enterprises. Starting from June 3, 2024, companies can submit applications, especially from the transport and logistics sector, as well as other commercial areas such as crafts and trade.

The BMDV launched the funding program in September 2023 and has already allocated funds for around 1,000 fast-charging points. An additional budget of €84 million will now support another 5,000 charging points. The funding covers investments in charging infrastructure as well as network connections and installation.

Commercial enterprises, including those with public participation, are eligible to apply. The amount of funding depends on the size of the company and can be up to 40% for small and medium-sized enterprises and up to 20% for large enterprises. The maximum funding per charging point varies depending on the charging capacity and can be up to €30,000 for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The application period begins on June 3, 2024, and applications can be submitted through the project sponsor Jülich. Installation must be completed within 18 months of receiving the funding approval, and the required electricity must come from renewable sources.

More details about it here.

The emergency program is a response of the expert commission, consisting of industry associations and the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), to the CO₂ double burden, which places a heavy burden on medium-sized logistics companies in particular. The program strengthens decarbonization and electrification in road freight transport.

The immediate action program has three priorities:

First, the environmental protection and safety toll harmonization program (formerly De-minimis) will be increased by an additional €60 million. This means that a total of 371.9 million euros will be available for this funding program in the 2024 federal budget. This means that, among other things, that applications already submitted under the heavily oversubscribed €30 million funding program from 2023 can now be approved.

Secondly, 60 million euros will be made available for the successful "Energy-reducing components" (EMK) funding program, also known as trailer funding. This means that new applications can be submitted to BALM and open applications approved in the near future.

And thirdly, the remaining applications from the 1st funding call "Commercial fast charging" amounting to almost 84 million euros will be approved and, due to the high level of participation from the transport and logistics sector, around 150 million euros will be made available for the rapid publication of a 2nd funding call "Commercial fast charging".

The members of the commission are representatives of road freight transport from eleven associations, freight forwarders, the transport sector, industry, the CEP sector and the automotive industry. The commission aims to draw up a joint action paper by July 2024.

Companies can apply to the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM)  for the environmental protection and safety toll harmonization program from Monday, 6 May 2024 from 9 am.

More information on the immediate action program can be found here.

The free online training is aimed at operators of commercial vehicle fleets who want to transition their transport logistics to electric trucks and vans. IO-Dynamics CEO Johann Olsen and GLE owner Bruno Lukas will jointly lead the webinar series. "With our new educational offering, we want to provide truck fleet operators with initial guidance on how they can transition their fleet to electric vehicles and demonstrate that electromobility is also worthwhile in the truck segment," says GLE owner Bruno Lukas. "We address technical aspects as well as cost calculations. We want to show that under certain conditions, an electric fleet can be economically operated in the long term." For GLE and IO-Dynamics, the joint webinar marks the start of a long-term strategic partnership.

While GLE specializes in vehicle selection and adaptation of logistics processes, IO-Dynamics focuses on intelligent IT management of charging and on the cost-optimal procurement of electricity for electromobility. The partners aim to comprehensively support logisticians in transforming their commercial vehicle fleets to emission-free vehicles and transports. This includes not only the procurement but also the long-term successful operation of the vehicle fleet and its own charging infrastructure at the depot.

You can find the registration for the respective webinars (in German language) here.

About our partner Green Logistics Enabler (GLE)

GLE founder and owner Bruno Lukas' approach is the consistent transition of the fleet to alternative truck drives. GLE focuses on needs analyses and concepts for regional distribution traffic as well as city logistics. However, GLE is also developing initial solutions for long-distance traffic. Fixed components include the organization of vehicle tests, risk analyses, and support in tendering processes. GLE training on innovative vehicle technology, laws, and funding programs round off the offering. GLE's customer base includes companies such as the Berlin-based Vivantes clinics, the Brüssel & Maass GmbH forwarding company, or the BWB Berlin workshops for people with disabilities GmbH.

GLE owner Bruno Lukas consulting with clients on-site (Image source: Matthias Gottwald)

The previous "De minimis" programme had been running since 2013, helping road transport companies to modernise their fleets. The renaming of the programme marks a further development and adaptation to current needs and challenges in the transport and logistics sector, with a stronger focus on environmentally friendly and safe technologies. The funding programme also offers non-repayable grants for measures to improve safety and environmental protection in road transport.

Amount of funding and eligible technologies

Under the scheme, companies can receive up to €2,000 per trailer for eligible technologies, with funding limited to 17 vehicles per company. Eligible technologies include the LL self-steering axle, the AirSave tyre pressure control system, the ePower generator axle for refrigerated vehicles and the intelligent axle load measurement of the latest iC Plus trailer chassis generation. Anyone already using telematics solutions to visualise, evaluate and manage fleet data, for example, will also be interested in the funding.

Ralf Merkelbach, Head of Fleet Sales Europe at BPW, recommends making active use of the funding available at LOGISTRA: "It has never been so worthwhile to consistently trim your trailers for efficiency."

Companies can go online to find out about solutions from suppliers of eligible technologies and receive support in navigating the funding jungle.

The application period for this year's funding period runs from 5 February to 31 May. The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility emphasises that, due to the current EU regulation on de minimis aid, the 2024 funding period will continue to be handled according to the previous guidelines. However, approvals will only be possible until 30 June 2024, which is why the application deadline has been brought forward to 31 May. The total budget available for the support programme is €261.9 million.

Accelerated processing

In order to speed up processing, the the Federal Logistics and Mobility Office has introduced measures such as the submission of vehicle documents only with proof of use. Applicants must also select the specific products to be subsidised from a list of eligible measures.

Further information is available at: https://www.balm.bund.de/DE/Foerderprogramme/Gueterkraftverkehr/Deminimis/Umweltschutz_und_Sicherheit_2024/umweltschutz_und_sicherheit.html

Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport, emphasizes the importance of this step: "Vehicles used for commercial purposes have a significantly higher mileage compared to private vehicles. As a result, they play a major role in the electrification of transport […]. For companies, the switch to electric vehicles means that they have to set up their own fast charging infrastructure. This can only be done with high investments. With our funding, we support this important step and thus accompany the companies in their conversion to climate-friendly and future-oriented mobility."

For the first time, the program also enables targeted funding for fast charging points specifically for trucks, which were previously only funded in connection with vehicle procurement. Commercial enterprises as well as companies with public participation can submit applications to make capital expenditures for fast-charging infrastructure, grid connection and technical equipment eligible for funding.

The National Centre for Charging Infrastructure will provide content support for the new funding program. Applications will be submitted and processed by Project Management Jülich (PtJ).

Funding details:

• Each applicant company can submit exactly one application. The following applies: In the case of affiliated companies, subsidiaries with their own legal personality submit a separate application.
• All applications from affiliated companies may not exceed a total funding amount of EUR 30 million.
• The grant based on this funding call is limited to EUR 5 million per application, regardless of the number of fast charging points applied for.
• The subsidy is provided as a share of the funding: a subsidy rate of up to 40% is possible for small and medium-sized companies, and a subsidy rate of up to 20% for large companies.
• The eligible expenditure per charging point is limited to a maximum amount, which depends on the DC charging capacity of this charging point. For a charging capacity at the charging point of 50 to 149 kW, the maximum subsidy amount per charging point is €14,000 for small and medium-sized enterprises and €7,000 for large enterprises. For charging points with a maximum charging capacity of more than 150 kW, small and medium-sized enterprises receive a maximum of €30,000 and large enterprises €15,000.
• The contract may not be awarded until the application submitted has been approved.
• Expenses for third-party planning services, among other things, are not eligible for funding. Funding for leasing rates or rental expenses for charging infrastructure is also excluded.
• The fast charging points must be installed in Germany and remain the property of the applying company for at least two years from the date of commissioning according to the installation protocol.
• The electricity required for the charging process must come from renewable energies.
• Accumulation with other subsidies is not permitted.
• Procurement and installation must take place within 18 months of receipt of the notice of approval (the project term begins with the date of the notice). An extension is only possible in justified exceptional cases.

Applications for funding can be submitted from September 18, 2023, via Projektträger Jülich at https://lis.ptj.de/.

Of these new registrations, just over 220,000 were electric cars, a year-on-year increase of 31.7 percent - no other powertrain type saw such growth. Despite this positive trend, e-cars still account for a modest 15.8 percent of all new registrations (source KBA), making it doubtful that the government's target of 15 million electric vehicles by 2030 will be achieved.

An increase in the subsidy amount for electric vehicles will provide a tailwind. The Ministry of Economics confirmed the increase of the environmental bonus by a further 400 million euros at the request of the Berlin-based "Tagesspiegel". In addition, currently falling prices of some car manufacturers and the progressive expansion of the charging infrastructure could spur the upward trend.

IO-Dynamics provides software solutions for optimal monitoring and control of charging and energy infrastructure in companies. Complementing their offering, Weiss+Appetito integrated their product "LiveCharger," a modular busbar-based charging infrastructure with compliant charging stations, into the IO-Dynamics platform. This collaboration ensured each charging point was effectively managed based on local conditions and made accessible for public use.

Hauke Lapschies, Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO) of IO Dynamics, expressed satisfaction with the successful test phase and the resulting partnership: "Partnering with an experienced company like Weiss+Appetito was an exciting experience for our startup. Our solution approaches complemented each other perfectly throughout the project, bringing us closer to our goals. The seamless integration of charging infrastructure and software-driven energy management is crucial for efficient electromobility, and that's precisely what we achieved together. We look forward to continuing our collaboration."

Maurice Simkins, Head of Product Development & Innovation at Weiss+Appetito, also praised the collaboration: "We were fortunate to meet IO-Dynamics at a startup corporate speed dating event hosted by startport. Their forward-looking backend approach focused on energy management aligns perfectly with our 'LiveCharger,' enabling us to offer customers an even more flexible and future-proof product. Following the successful completion of the pilot project, our shared objective now is to smartly and efficiently electrify company parking lots across Germany. I extend my gratitude and commendation to Hauke and the entire IO Dynamics team for their excellent cooperation."

The partnership between IO Dynamics and Weiss+Appetito exemplifies the synergy that emerges when innovative startups and established companies collaborate. Through the sharing of expertise, merging of technologies, and constructive teamwork, these two companies have combined their strengths to shape a sustainable future through efficient electromobility.

"Soon, we will launch two more funding offers to support private households in building charging stations with their own power supply and companies in setting up fast-charging infrastructure," the FDP politician told ARD. The first funding program includes a sum of 500 million euros and is aimed at private households. This financial incentive is intended to promote charging stations, photovoltaic systems and energy storage systems. By combining these components, users will be able to charge their electric vehicles directly with solar energy. The program is expected to start in the fall and is designed to strengthen sustainability in the area of individual charging.

The second funding program, with a budget of 400 million euros, focuses on expanding the fast-charging infrastructure and providing grid connections for commercially used electric vehicles. The aim here is to create an efficient and reliable charging infrastructure for companies. The program is already scheduled to start in the summer.

Wissing expects a high five-digit number of applications for both funding programs. To finance the project, the Transport Ministry is drawing on the Climate and Transformation Fund, a special fund of around 35 billion euros. Applications for funding are to be handled by the state development bank KfW. The exact amount of individual funding and the type of funding (blanket amount or percentage shareholdings) will be announced at a later date.

Hauke has been intensively involved with electric mobility on the last mile for the last three years. Based on his master's degree as an industrial engineer, with a focus on energy management, he has acquired and implemented technical expertise in the complexity of power supply. Through his professional experience at Volkswagen and MHP – Management and IT Consulting, he has also integrated key components from the mobility industry, which form the basis for his expertise in last mile electrification.

As C-Level at IO-Dynamics, he is responsible for corporate development. The topics in which Hauke Lapschies and IO-Dynamics offer expertise include charging management, electric mobility, charging concepts & charging infrastructure, process automation, subsidies, fleet management and digitalization.

If the first electric cars are already in use or if there are plans to electrify the fleet, Hauke gladly offers a no-obligation initial consultation to record the current needs in efficient fleet operation and to provide an outlook on the electrification of the vehicle fleet.

Make an appointment now without obligation:
Hauke Lapschies
T: +49 461 40 21 42 61
E: hauke.lapschies@iodynamics.de

Funding of up to 50 percent (including SME bonus) is provided for the additional costs incurred when purchasing an electric vehicle compared to a reference vehicle with a combustion engine. The associated charging infrastructure is also subsidized. The condition is that the vehicles are powered by 100 percent electricity from renewable sources.

Eligible for funding are passenger cars and light vehicles. Funding is available for projects from 15,000 euros to 1 million euros (net) per company, association, or club. A total of 14 million euros in funding is available. Applications can be submitted until 20 April 2023.

On 21 April, a special call for funding will be launched for local authorities and public institutions. If the vehicles are used in the course of the provision of public services (e.g., in the area of energy and water supply or waste disposal), funding of 90 percent of the additional investment costs can be applied for. Funding is available for projects from 21,000 euros up to 1 million euros (net) per applying institution. These vehicles must also be powered by 100 per cent electricity from renewable sources. A total of 10 million euros in funding is available. Applications can be submitted until 8 June 2023.

“We are making great progress in the ramp-up of electric mobility. There are already more than one million purely electric cars on the roads", says Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing. "We want to keep up this pace and are providing targeted support to companies, associations and municipalities electrifying their fleets. Our funding is making e-cars more affordable and we’re also financing the required charging infrastructure, thereby lowering the barriers to entry.”

All documents and information on the funding guideline and the calls can be found on the website of Project Management Jülich (PtJ) and programme company NOW GmbH.

We look forward to welcoming you to the "class reunion" of the fleet industry, together with our partners LAN1 and EMobility Netz. 

The charging and energy management system from IO-Dynamics ensures that electric cars are charged intelligently for simple and cost-effective fleet operation. All charging processes are fully automated and can be tracked in real time on the platform. The charging solution is manufacturer-independent and can be adapted to individual requirements.

In the field of e-mobility, LAN1 offers comprehensive solutions for various use cases. As a CPO (Charge Point Operator), LAN1 has power grid recognition and is allowed to charge for electricity. As an EMP (E-Mobility Provider), LAN1 is listed in all public transport directories and is authorized to process payments throughout Europe.

EMobility Netz is an association of specialized companies for e-mobility. As a 360-degree partner for electric charging systems, EMobility Netz offers a comprehensive range of services in the areas of consulting, planning, installation, commissioning, maintenance, billing models and service, which is guaranteed by partner companies throughout Germany.

Feel free to stop by our booth F42 – 46 and have a chat with us.

Recap "Flotte! Der Branchentreff"

Full program and many talks for our IO team at "Flotte! Der Branchentreff"! 

Two successful days in Düsseldorf are over! Together with our partners LAN1 and EMobility Netz we presented our 360° electric fleet solution.

A successful event! We are already looking forward to the next fair!

Negotiators from the Parliament and the EU countries had already agreed on the compromise in October 2022. The MEPs have now approved the agreement.

One point of contention in the negotiations was whether vehicles with synthetic fuels should be an exception. So-called e-fuels are produced using electricity, mostly from water and CO2. The EU Commission is examining whether these could be approved in the future after all.

Regarding the new legislation, Tiemo Wölken, climate policy spokesman for the SPD parliamentary group, said that the decision secures the path to conversion to cars without internal combustion engines, which car manufacturers have been on for a long time.

Addendum, 08.03.2023: EU postpones vote on phasing out internal combustion vehicles

For the EU order to come into force, the consent of the individual EU states is necessary. The corresponding vote should take place on 07.03.2023 – usually a mere formality, but not this time. In a preparatory ambassadors' meeting on 03.03.2023 it turned out that no necessary majority for the ban on internal combustion vehicles would be achieved. Necessary majority means: at least 15 nations representing at least 65 percent of the EU population. This means that the EU decision on banning new cars with internal combustion engines from 2035 has been postponed indefinitely.

Earlier, Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing of the FDP had reiterated his party's opposition to the plans. Since no agreement could thus be reached within the Federal Government, Germany would have had to abstain from the vote. Wissing is calling for a compromise proposal from the EU Commission that internal combustion vehicles should remain permitted after 2035 as long as they are powered by synthetic fuels (e-fuels).

A new date for the final vote on the combustion engine phase-out has not yet been set.

Addendum, 03/30/2023: Exception for e-fuel vehicles

The dispute between the German government and the EU dragged on for weeks. Now, the EU member states have decided to largely ban new vehicles with combustion engines, after the decision had been blocked by Germany for weeks. The German government was finally able to push through the planned exemption for e-fuel vehicles.

After 2035, only zero-emission vehicles will be allowed to be newly registered. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

In 2022, 2.65 million new vehicles were registered in Germany. Almost half of these are equipped with alternative drive systems. A total of 470,559 BEVs hit German roads. This corresponds to a market share of 17.7 percent and growth of 32.2 percent.

Thanks to the alternatively powered vehicles, CO₂ emissions from passenger cars fell by 7.7 percent in 2022, to an average of 109.6 g/km.

In December, a record total of 104,325 electric cars were newly registered, in addition to 69,801 new registrations of plug-in hybrids. The reason for the rapid increase in the last month of the year is the change in the environmental bonus, as from January 2023 the subsidy amounts for battery electric vehicles have been reduced and plug-in hybrids will no longer receive any subsidy at all.

To no surprise, the reduction in purchase premiums for electric cars and the elimination of subsidies for plug-in hybrids are reflected in declining new registrations in January 2023. A total of 18,136 BEVs (10.1 percent) were registered in the first month of the year, resulting in 13.2 percent fewer new electric vehicles in January 2023 compared to the same month last year.

Grid-serving charging according to § 14a EnWG with elephi

The software company IO-Dynamics implements charging infrastructure for electric vehicles as a controllable consumption facility according to § 14a EnWG with network operator Stromnetz Hamburg and charge point operator LAN1.

The add-on feature "Reduced grid charges" of the charging and energy management software elephi, which can be booked individually in addition to the standard features, enables the local grid operator to control the charging facilities in a grid-serving manner. By adapting the charging processes to the grid, users of the charging infrastructure contribute to an intelligent and stable power supply and help to avoid cost-intensive grid expansion. By allowing the grid operator to access their own charging infrastructure, end users benefit from lower electricity costs.

LAN1 built the charging infrastructure at the 14 properties and operates the charging points with the smart management and billing software. A total of 159 charging stations are controlled by the grid operator Stromnetz Hamburg with the elephi charging and energy management system from IO-Dynamics. If the grid operator intervenes in the charging infrastructure as a controllable consumption device, elephi reads out the control signal via OpenADR and reduces the power for the charging processes accordingly. After a control intervention, the charging and energy management automatically ensures that the power is increased again and any interrupted charging processes are restarted.

elephi thus ensures that the charging stations are operational at all times, so that charging processes are automatically resumed after intervention by the grid operator. The vehicles are reliably charged and are available for electric driving.

The project in cooperation with LAN1 was funded as part of the ELBE project in Hamburg. 

Funding through the ELBE project

ELBE stands for Electrify Building for Electric Vehicles and is Germany's largest model project for the development and management of charging infrastructure in commercial areas and residential or commercial properties. The background of the project: to significantly expand network-compatible integrated charging points outside public spaces.

In the process, the installed charging points will be connected to the grid operator Stromnetz Hamburg via a standardized interface. The interface is based on the open communication protocol OpenADR, which enables the grid operator to temporarily adjust the performance of the charging processes to the capacity limits of the electricity grid. In return, the grid operator charges end consumers permanently reduced grid fees for enabling grid-serving control. 

The overall strategy includes the expansion of a nationwide, needs-based and user-friendly charging infrastructure to make electric cars more attractive. With 68 measures in the areas of: Promotion, empowerment of municipalities, area availability, power grid integration, charging on buildings and heavy-duty vehicles, the aim is to finally get some wind in the sails of the expansion of electromobility. The aim is to have one million public charging stations by 2030.

It won't work without digitization

Digitization is another keyword in the new master plan. Network expansion and more charging points alone will not be enough to fully develop the potential of the drive technology. Obtaining and using traffic data will be essential for needs-based charging planning. For the electrification of the transport sector to be implemented sustainably, data-driven and intelligent charging management must be integrated alongside the expansion of the charging infrastructure and the expansion and conversion of the power system, precisely where predictable logistical processes are to be found, such as in the transport sector, in company fleets or in residential complexes.

What role does on-demand charging management play in this?

Operators of charging infrastructures at residential complexes, company premises and in public transport can benefit in particular from on-demand charging of electric vehicles. The "Master Plan for Charging Infrastructure II" will improve the framework conditions to enable intelligent charging management using data from the power grid, charging stations, electric vehicles, buildings and PV systems. Data-driven energy and charging management is an indispensable building block for climate-friendly mobility.

What do the new plans mean for company fleets?

Not only will it become easier to invest in the expansion of charging infrastructure and sustainable self-generated electricity by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, but incentives for expansion will also be created through government funding. In the future, it will therefore be even easier and more attractive for companies to invest in the expansion of PV systems and to electrify their fleets. Bringing the two together symbiotically and controlling them through data-driven and demand-based charging management will make mobility more cost-effective, safer and more climate-friendly.

More about Masterplan II and what plans there are at the European level for zero-emission mobility can be read in German here.

By 2030, 15 million EVs should be rolling on German roads. But the German government's target is currently raising many questions: Will the additional electricity needed for this be available? And will it be affordable?

The fact is, the current development of electricity prices is reducing the cost advantage of the EV over the combustion engine. Charging power providers are raising their prices – up to 80 cents per kilowatt hour are charged at a fast charging station.

Nevertheless, an EV is still cheaper to run than a combustion engine – due to the lower energy consumption per 100 kilometers. If we assume that a liter of gasoline costs 1.90 euros and a car requires ten liters of gasoline for 100 kilometers, that's the equivalent of 19 euros per 100 kilometers. An EV requires around 20 kilowatt hours to cover this distance.

So the break-even point is currently 95 cents per kilowatt hour: an EV is currently cheaper with any charging current that costs less than 95 cents per kilowatt hour.

This also applies only to those EVs that are primarily charged in the public power grid. Most EV owners have the option of charging their vehicles at home or at work.

But where will the additional electricity demand come from to reach the 15 million mark by 2030? Martin Wietschel, head of the Competence Center Energy Technologies and Energy Systems at the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research in Karlsruhe, estimates it at 42 billion kilowatt hours. "That seems like a lot, but it's not," says the energy expert. To meet climate targets, renewable energies must be expanded quickly. By 2045, he said, the planned amount of electricity from wind and solar would have to rise to nearly 800 terawatt hours a year. Wietschel sees the challenge more in offsetting the gas and oil used by industry and meeting the demand for heat pumps. He sees the additional electricity needed for electric mobility as more of a minor problem. Rather, the EV is an important component of the energy turnaround "to compensate for fluctuations in renewables."

Wietschel views the use of green hydrogen or e-fuels in vehicles with great skepticism – the electricity required to generate them is simply too high. "These are not alternatives to the battery". While 20 kilowatt hours are sufficient for an EV to cover a distance of 100 kilometers, 50 kWh are already required for a hydrogen-powered vehicle, and e-fuels would even raise the requirement to 100 kilowatt hours per 100 kilometers.

The expert is also reassuring about the development of electricity prices. Before the Ukraine war, he says, calculations by his research department showed that the price of electricity would remain relatively stable until 2030 – with a drop thereafter due to the expansion of renewable energies. "In the long term, this can still be assumed."

Source: Berliner Zeitung – Teurer Strom: Ist die Elektromobilität am Ende? // Elektroauto-News.net – Teurer Strom bremst Elektromobilität – dennoch kein Grund zur Sorge

The German government has set ambitious targets for reducing CO₂ emissions in the transport sector. By 2030, at least 15 million battery electric vehicles are to be registered in Germany and one million public charging points are to be set up. Up to 200 million euros are to be invested in climate protection by 2026.

To accelerate the expansion of public charging infrastructure, more space is to be made available at train stations, airports, parking lots and rest stops on the highways. Wissing also sees the automotive industry as having a duty: by the end of 2024, it is to set up one charging point for every 100 newly registered e-cars – at its own expense.

Cities and municipalities in particular should develop their own concepts to ensure the basic supply of local charging infrastructure. This is because around half of the municipalities do not have any publicly accessible charging infrastructure, according to the report. For this purpose, 30 regional charging infrastructure managers are to be hired to provide support and advice in selected municipalities.

The Executive Director of the Landkreistag, Daniela Franke, does not, however, see only the municipalities as having a duty: "There are many players involved here, above all the business community." She cites retail, hotels, or restaurants as examples.

The Association of Municipal Enterprises sees great potential in the development of a good charging infrastructure. A spokesman for the association comments that the fast-growing new registrations of e-cars, "create conditions for functioning competition." Many investors are interested in projects at the municipal level, with the trend moving more and more toward fast-charging hubs with several charging points in one area. However, the association's spokesman criticizes the lack of funding instruments for charging infrastructure and calls for a similarly broad approach as for electric cars.

For the expansion of public charging infrastructure in the coming years, the Federal Minister of Transport is registering more money in the budget. An additional budget of about 8 billion euros will likely be needed. "We should collect a lot of ideas and think about how we can implement every single good idea as quickly as possible," Wissing said.

Elena has already been supporting us since April last year as a working student in Business Development & Sales. She studied International Management and Business, Language and Culture at the European University Flensburg and the Syddansk Universitet in Denmark.

In her master thesis on "A pragmatic exploration of sensemaking among team members of a German Start Up during organizational change", she dealt with change processes in startups during the initial phases of the company. Using IO-Dynamics as an example, she examined what change management can look like for startups and developed ten suggestions on how change processes can be mastered.

Rink has been a member of the IO team for a long time and has basically been there since the beginning. As a working student, he is involved in hardware development with the development of test systems for hardware and software. This topic was also the subject of his bachelor thesis "Development of a system for quality assurance using automated and cloud-driven tests on a hardware platform".

As part of his bachelor thesis, he developed an automated test system that tests any newly developed or modified firmware for our telematics modules. These tests are used for quality assurance and should save our developers time and costs.

After their studies, the two will remain with us at IO-Dynamics. Elena will start as a valuable full-time employee after her master's degree. Rink will soon start his master studies in Applied Computer Science at the University of Applied Sciences Flensburg and will continue to support us actively as a working student.

From 2023, the following will apply: Electric vehicles costing less than 40,000 euros will still be subsidized by the state to the tune of 4,500 euros instead of the current 6,000 euros. Electric vehicles with a purchase price of between 40,000 and 65,000 euros will still be subsidized with an environmental bonus of 3,000 euros. From 2024, there will still be a 3,000 euro subsidy for a vehicle net list price of up to 45,000 euros; vehicles with a higher net list price will no longer be subsidized at all.

Furthermore, from September 2023, only private individuals will be able to apply for the environmental bonus. An exception for small businesses and non-profit organizations is currently still being examined by the BMWK. 

According to the ministry, the date of the subsidy application will continue to be decisive for the subsidy. The manufacturers' share will continue to be 50 percent of the total federal funding and will be added when determining the total funding. Once the funds for the environmental bonus from the Climate and Transformation Fund are exhausted, the environmental bonus funding will end.

"Electromobility has made the transition to the mass market: the 1 million target was reached in 2021 and this year we will already be close to two million. E-vehicles are therefore becoming increasingly popular and will no longer need government subsidies in the foreseeable future. But we have to shape the transition, and that's exactly what we're doing with the redesign of the subsidy," says Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Grüne), explaining the reasons for the subsidy regulations that have been adopted.

The international sustainability organization Global Footprint Network calculates the earth's biocapacity, i.e. its ability to regenerate used resources and break down pollutants. The biocapacity is then compared with the global ecological footprint.

Power of Possibility - #MoveTheDate

Not only the past, but also our decisions in the here and now determine our future. Global consumption of energy and raw materials continues to rise. Climate change, resource scarcity and biodiversity loss are the most pressing challenges of our time.

There are many solutions to influence Earth Overshoot Day.

By expanding renewable energies, for example, Earth Overshoot Day could be postponed by 26 days if at least 75 percent of electricity were generated by renewable energies. Worldwide, the figure is currently only 39 percent.

Earth Overshoot Day could be postponed by 29 days if existing technologies for buildings, industrial processes and electricity distribution were better used to develop smart cities.

What IO-Dynamics does

With our energy and charging management software IO-ELON, we make electromobility easier and make a decisive contribution to the mobility and energy transition.

Optimal use of renewable energies 🌞

PV systems can be integrated into the charging processes of electric vehicles without much effort. Based on weather data, the charging management system forecasts the level of solar yield and shifts the charging processes so that as much renewable electricity as possible is used. Vehicle availability is not restricted in the process.

Increased battery life 🔋

Targeted, battery-friendly charging can double or triple the service life of the vehicle battery. Damage to the battery can also be detected at an early stage via the telematics module integrated in the vehicle. By treating the batteries with maximum care, valuable resources such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite and manganese can be used over a longer period.

Reduced CO2 emissions per km driven 🚗

Compared to combustion vehicles, electric vehicles do not emit any polluting CO2 emissions while driving. Today's electric car emits about 30 percent less CO2 emissions over its complete life cycle than today's combustion car.

Find out more about the climate friendliness of electric cars here.

With 100 electric vehicles in the fleet and an average of 80 kilometers traveled per day per vehicle, up to 135 tons of CO2 can be saved per year!

Reduced environmental impact through production 🍃

Already in the planning phase of the electric vehicle fleet, a prior analysis makes sense. Nevertheless, through optimal use, process optimization and monitoring, the number of charging stations and vehicles used can be reduced and the fleet operation can still be carried out safely and smoothly.

The Global Footprint Network identifies more than 100 ways we can improve our resource security in five key areas (healthy planet, cities, energy, food and population)