Overview

• Fastned sued Autobahn GmbH in 2024, challenging the legality of awarding fast-charging concessions without public tender.
• Autobahn GmbH defends its actions, citing legacy concession contracts from the 1990s, now held largely by Tank & Rast.
• Construction of new fast-charging stations at German autobahn rest areas has been frozen since March 2024 due to legal uncertainties.
• Advocate General Sánchez-Bordona recently issued an opinion favoring Autobahn GmbH, though the ECJ's final ruling is still pending.
• A ruling against Autobahn GmbH could lead to compensation claims from Tank & Rast, potentially complicating Germany's EV infrastructure rollout.