Germany is looking to significantly expand the country’s electric vehicle charging network.

The German government says intends to spend 6.3 billion euros ($8.5 billion CDN) over the next three years as it expects an increasing number of drivers to switch from combustion vehicles to more environmentally friendly electric vehicles.

On Wednesday, the country’s transportation minister presented a “master plan” for improving charging infrastructure that had been approved by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’ cabinet.

To increase the number of charging stations, the government will provide real estate, particularly along highways, where new charging stations can be built.

Private electric car owners will be offered subsidized plans to install solar energy panels at their homes in order to charge their vehicles overnight.