2021
Berlin mobility revolution failed
No city toll, no reduction of traffic and certainly no zero-emission zone: the left-wing coalition in Berlin could not reach an agreement on the adaptation of the mobility law. Thus, neither traffic nor air quality will probably change in the capital.
Do electric cars burn faster?
The rumour that e-cars burn faster than combustion engines is circulating on the internet again and again. Different tests determine whether there is an increased fire risk with electric cars. Once an electric car is on fire, extinguishing it is complicated.
Trucks - price more important than environment
The truck manufacturers are stepping up the pace in the changeover to alternative drive systems. They are much more ambitious than the politicians. They are now hoping for incentives from the government so that customers will actually follow suit.
Exhaust emissions scandal: driving bans for motorhomes
In the scandal surrounding the Euro 5 and 6 Fiat Ducato models, the German Environmental Aid demands the recall of the affected vehicles. Politicians must finally take action. Some of the vehicles exceed the limit values by a factor of 10 and harm people and the environment.
Belgian low emission zones explained
There are three low emission zones in Belgium, namely in the capital Brussels, as well as in Antwerp and Ghent. All three low emission zones are permanently valid. Vehicles need to be registered to enter. Belgian and also Dutch vehicles are exempt. These are entered directly into the register when the vehicle is registered. There are two different registrations for the three environmental zones. They also have different regulations.
Noise costs billions
Noise costs the French state more than 150 billion euros every year. Physical and mental illnesses, but also the depreciation of property are included here. Traffic is an immense contributor to noise. A culture of noise management should help.
Support for commercial fleets
The German government also wants to nudge the logistics sector in the direction of green mobility. A new funding programme therefore supports both newly registered vans and trucks with alternative drive systems as well as old diesels that are converted. More than 500 million euros are available.
Trucks soon to be climate neutral thanks to whisky
The Scottish whisky brand Glenfiddich wants to convert its entire fleet to biogas. This is to be produced from the company's own whisky waste and could thus save 250 tonnes of CO2 - per truck and year!
Lucerne: Switzerland's second environmental zone?
By 2040, there should be no more combustion vehicles in Lucerne. The city has also set itself ambitious goals for the energy sector and climate protection.
Spanish Low Emission Zones explained
There are currently 5 low emission zones in Spain. These are in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia and Valladolid. Only the zone in Barcelona is permanently valid. The other zones are weather-related air protection zones and are only activated in the event of severe air pollution. Which vehicles are then banned is not generally specified. Depending on the degree of air pollution, the government decides which vehicles may continue to enter.