E-mobility plays a key role in climate protection, the energy transition, and industrial value creation.
Overview of the VDE study
The latest study “Energiegeladen in die Zukunft” by the VDE (Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies) highlights the role of e-mobility as a central component of the energy transition and climate neutrality by 2045. The study explains how electric vehicles can not only decarbonize transport, but also act as an integral part of a flexible energy system.
Key elements of the study are bidirectional charging and a comprehensive, charging infrastructure suitable for everyday use.
Bidirectional charging
More flexibility in the energy system
A key topic of the VDE study is the ability of electric vehicles not only to charge electricity, but also to feed energy back into the power grid or into buildings. In bidirectional charging, the electric vehicle acts as a mobile energy storage device. With vehicle-to-grid (V2G), energy from the vehicle battery is fed into the public grid as needed, while with vehicle-to-home (V2H), the vehicle’s energy is used to power a home.
Legal framework for bidirectional charging from 2026
On November 13, 2026, the German Bundestag passed a significant amendment to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG): From 2026, economical bidirectional charging will be possible, paving the way for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) in Germany.
By eliminating double charges for grid fees and exempting electricity from tax, bidirectional charging will become more attractive to consumers and support the expansion of e-mobility. Dr. Marcus Bollig, General Manager of the VDA (German Association of the Automotive Industry), explains in his VDA commentary dated November 14, 2025, that bidirectional charging is a key technology for the future, both in terms of the attractiveness of e-mobility and for a networked energy system. [Source: VDA commentary on bidirectional charging | VDA].
Charging infrastructure
Suitability for everyday use and nationwide expansion
The study also makes it clear that without a comprehensive, high-performance charging infrastructure, e-mobility will fall short of its potential. Fast charging points and uniform standards for communication and billing are particularly important.
With the AFIR Regulation, the European Union is setting binding framework conditions for the comprehensive expansion of the charging infrastructure. By 2030, a charging station with a minimum capacity of 350 kW is to be installed along all major trade routes at intervals of 60 to 100 kilometers to enable truck drivers to charge efficiently during their rest periods. In addition, the charging infrastructure will be supplemented by additional charging points at parking lots and urban transport hubs.
VDE e-mobility Conference 2025
The VDE study “Energiegeladen in die Zukunft” was presented for the first time at the VDE E-mobility Conference 2025. Experts from politics, industry, and research discussed the importance of e-mobility as the key to the energy and mobility transition.
The focus was on topics such as: comprehensive charging infrastructure, bidirectional charging, and megawatt charging for utility vehicles.
Megawatt charging: CCS or MCS?
In his presentation at the VDE E-mobility Conference 2025, Michael Heinemann, CEO of Phoenix Contact e-mobility, made it clear that the discussion about CCS (Combined Charging System) and MCS (Megawatt Charging System) is not an either/or question.
Megawatt charging can refer both to the technical standard (MCS – Megawatt Charging System) and to the actual performance capability, i.e., the ability to charge at megawatt levels.
The Combined Charging Standard (CCS) can already achieve megawatt charging today and is suitable for charging electric trucks. The CCS charging network is already well developed: in 2025, there will be approximately 105,000 publicly installed DC fast charging points in Germany [source: EAFO, as of September 29, 2025, EU-27]. However, this does not mean that the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) is not needed, Heinemann emphasizes. The Megawatt Charging System (MCS) plays an important role, especially at transport hubs for e-trucks. According to a recent study by the ICCT, it is assumed that around one-third of publicly installed charging points for e-trucks will be equipped with MCS technology.
The market therefore needs both systems: CCS remains sufficient for many applications, while MCS addresses future high-performance requirements, especially for heavy utility vehicles. It is not a question of competition, but of parallel existence and meeting different requirements in line with demand.
How can a charging infrastructure suitable for everyday use be made possible?
A charging infrastructure suitable for everyday use is characterized above all by short charging times and high availability. While AC charging takes around eight hours, modern DC charging reduces the charging time to around one hour. Thanks to High Power Charging, electric vehicles can now be charged in less than 15 minutes, and charging powers up to the megawatt limit are now possible.
The progress made in expanding the charging infrastructure shows that the potential of fast charging technology is far from being fully realized, as can also be seen from the latest developments in CCS (Combined Charging System) and MCS (Megawatt Charging System). Standardization and continuous development of charging technology are particularly important factors.
Since its establishment in 2018, the CharIN Task Force “Megawatt Charging System (MCS)” has been working to develop technical requirements and recommendations for the MCS charging system in order to significantly improve the flexibility and everyday usability of fully electric utility vehicles. The aim is to increase the acceptance of e-mobility, especially in the commercial vehicle sector, in a sustainable way through uniform standards and high-performance systems. Phoenix Contact is heavily involved in this task force: Since 2020, the company has been promoting the global nomination of the MCS connector in IEC TS 63379 by leading the IEC’s international project team and the German mirror committee in the DKE.
Charging infrastructure
Both charging standards, CCS and MCS, are equally in demand as they serve different requirements. Their coexistence is a clear sign that e-mobility is focused on flexibility and sustainability. In addition, the attractiveness of e-mobility is being promoted by the new legal framework for bidirectional charging.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does bidirectional charging mean and why is it important for the energy transition?
Bidirectional charging describes the ability of electric vehicles to not only charge electricity, but also to feed energy back into the power grid or into buildings. This turns electric vehicles into decentralized energy storage devices that help stabilize the power grid and support the integration of renewable energies. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home (V2H) in particular make electric cars an active part of the energy system and support the energy transition
What legal framework will apply to bidirectional charging in Germany from 2026?
From 2026, an amendment to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) will enable economical bidirectional charging in Germany. This paves the way for vehicle-to-grid (V2G). Consumers will benefit from the elimination of double charges for grid fees and exemption from electricity tax, which will make bidirectional charging more attractive and promote the expansion of e-mobility.
How does the EU's AFIR regulation contribute to the expansion of the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles?
The European Union’s AFIR regulation sets binding requirements for the expansion of the charging infrastructure. By 2030, charging stations with a minimum capacity of 350 kW must be installed at intervals of 60 to 100 kilometers along all major trade routes so that truck drivers can efficiently charge their vehicles during rest periods. In addition, the regulation provides for additional charging points at parking lots and urban transport hubs to further improve the everyday usability and availability of the charging infrastructure.
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