The CNG fuel market in Germany received a stimulus for development in the early 1990s. The initiative came from the state, guided by the such reasons as the need of energy diversification, reducing dependence on oil, as well as combating climate change.
The fleet of compressed natural gas vehicles constitutes approximately 98,000 vehicles, and the number of methane sales stations is 836 units. The share of natural gas vehicles in Germany’s total fleet of vehicles is 0.2%. Compressed natural gas accounts for only 0.3% of total fuel consumption in transport. Since 2020, some CNG filling stations have switched to the exclusive sale of biomethane.
More than 200 companies are involved in the sale of natural gas. At the same time, the biggest players – Uniper (E.ON) and EWE – own only 8 and 7% of the gas stations.
Large car corporations such as Volkswagen, Audi, Man and Scania produce gas-powered motor vehicles. An overwhelming share of methane-based vehicles (approximately 90%) are private cars.
The main mechanism for stimulating the development of the CNG market by the federal government are the tax predilections granted to people who own vehicles with CNG. On the basis that the transport charge is calculated in proportion to engine volume and carbon dioxide emissions, the tax for owners of gas-powered vehicles is on average 80% lower than for owners of vehicles of the same petrol or diesel engine class.