September 2021
International Car Free Day
Next Wednesday, 22 September, it's that time again, in 46 countries and in over 2000 municipalities: Car Free Day will be celebrated as part of Mobility Week. On this day, people appeal to car drivers to leave their cars behind and get around by bicycle or public transport instead.
Swiss Low Emission Zone explained
Switzerland also has to deal with air pollution. But it does not have to adhere to the EU's specifications. Instead, it has declared a much stricter limit value for particulate matter to be binding. It is not the European 40 µg/m³ that applies in Switzerland, but 30 µg/m³, which must be adhered to. Because this does not always work, there is an environmental zone in Geneva and the surrounding towns of Carouge, Cologny, Lancy and Vernier.
Low emission zones also ensure clean air indoors
Poor air is responsible for nearly 13,000 premature deaths a year in Germany alone. The country has one of the highest nitrogen oxide concentrations in the EU. This affects not only the big cities, but also many medium-sized or small towns. Germany is trying to get a grip on the situation by introducing environmental zones, diesel driving bans and environmental lanes.
Congestion charge for German cities?
It already exists in many European countries: in Norway, Great Britain, Sweden and Italy, the congestion charge is already reducing traffic and increasing revenue in some cities. Transport experts are now calling for the introduction of a toll in German cities as well.
Czech Republic against electric cars
The EU's plan to drastically reduce the share of internal combustion cars in Europe does not please everyone. The Czech Republic's prime minister has now announced that he will vote against the ban on the sale of cars that run on fossil fuels. This could put the EU's timetable in jeopardy, as all 27 states would have to agree to the ban.
Fraud at charging stations?
Charging stations, regardless of whether they charge quickly or take longer, should not charge more electricity than the consumer receives. But this is far too often the case because many charging stations are not calibrated.
Electric vehicles ever more powerful
Two companies from Europe have set new records in electric mobility. The Swiss company Futuricum has proven that trucks can indeed cover long distances without having to be recharged in between. The company Zero Emission Services (ZES) from Rotterdam, on the other hand, is revolutionising inland navigation in the green heart of Holland.
Karlsruhe residents complain about too much delivery traffic
When the mayor of Karlsruhe stood for re-election almost a year ago, the Greens made their support conditional on several points: Parking fees were to be raised and a second bridge over the Rhine was to be dispensed with. Also under discussion were temporary driving bans and the possible introduction of a city toll. So far, however, this toll has not been an issue for the SPD mayor, so that until today there is only an environmental zone.
Phasing out the internal combustion engine by 2035 - except for luxury cars?
The EU Commission has set itself high goals: In July this year, it announced its goal of ending the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines by 2035. That does not suit everyone. In Italy, there are now hopes for an exception for car manufacturers Ferrari and Lamborghini.
Export ban or expropriation of EURO 4 vehicles?
A new regulation for the sale of used cars could mean that they have to be scrapped. An EU directive is planned that will classify used cars with an exhaust emission class below Euro 5 as scrap in the future. This will make it increasingly difficult or impossible to sell them in poorer countries.