Germany has been given the green light to roll out a network for electric vehicles.

The European Commission said the project “addresses a real gap in the market” without hindering competition.

The scheme aims to promote the installation of high-speed charging stations as well as the extension of existing infrastructure, expected to cost €300 million (£254.5m) over four years.

It is open to businesses, individuals and local authorities and support will be awarded through an open tender process. It requires electricity for the charging infrastructure to come from renewable sources.

The Commission expects the measure to encourage a significant uptake of electric vehicles and support the European Strategy for low-emission mobility.

Commissioner Margethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy said: “Electric vehicles can provide real benefits to society by reducing harmful emissions and noise pollution. The German support scheme will encourage consumers and businesses to use electric vehicles.”

A recent report suggested falling costs of solar power technology and the uptake of electric vehicles could halt fossil fuel growth by 2020.