April 2021
Scrappage scheme: France backs bicycles
French people who trade in their combustion engine for an electric bicycle will in future receive €2,500 from the state. This is not intended to make vehicles greener in the transport transition, but to reduce their overall number. A similar push in Germany fell on deaf ears from politicians.
European charging network inadequate
By 2025, there should be one million charging points for electric cars in Europe. This is the only way to ensure the targeted nationwide coverage for e-cars when travelling across the continent. The EU Court of Auditors sees this goal in jeopardy.
Hamburg to become Germany's largest car-free zone?
An initiative wants to turn the Hamburg district of Eimsbüttel into a "children's room on the street". Pedestrians are to have priority, and cars will only be allowed to drive at 10 km/h. This is how the district plans its own driving bans.
A brief sigh of relief for internal combustion engines
After the new Euro 7 standard was already seen as the de facto end of the internal combustion engine, it could now be made much more industry-friendly after all. Current measurements by the ADAC also give the car industry reason to rejoice. Due to the tightening of regulations in the European environmental zones, it is nevertheless likely that the internal combustion engine will be phased out in the foreseeable future.
Berlin's Müggelsee soon to be an environmental zone?
After the zero-emission zone for the city of Berlin recently suffered a bitter setback because it is against the law according to expert opinions, the Berliners now want to tackle the problem on water instead. The capital's largest lake is to become an environmental zone and only allow hybrid and electric boats from 2025. The criticism is fierce.
What really saves the climate?
The next few years are all-important for the world's climate. To comply with the Paris Climate Agreement, we must act quickly. Zero-emission zones are one measure to improve the air in our cities. But the e-car can hardly improve our CO₂ balance.
Climate killer Deutsche Bahn
Climate protectionists are reluctant to travel by car. Instead, they rely on travelling by rail: "Travelling by train is environmental protection" is Deutsche Bahn's self-imposed image. But diesel locomotives and nuclear power paint a different picture of the railway.
Berlin zero-emission zone against the law
Plans to establish a zero-emission zone for internal combustion vehicles in Berlin appear to have failed. After initially cancelling the timetable until 2030, an expert opinion has now confirmed that the car-free zone is against the law.
Goodbye fine dust - for the driver, not the environment
Particulate matter is a major problem for human health. Mercedes is tackling the problem and is advertising its latest model with filters for clean air. But not for the emissions on the outside of the car, but for the comfort of the driver inside.