Tag: Electrical
Electromobility in Germany: Unclear course and gloomy outlook
Electric mobility in Germany is facing major challenges, as ADAC President Christian Reinicke emphasises in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung. His statements shed a gloomy light on the current situation of electric cars and raise the question of whether the government's ambitious targets are achievable at all.
Charging at streetlights: an expensive experiment with limited benefits?
The challenge of electromobility is not only the purchase of the vehicles, but also the provision of a nationwide charging infrastructure. The Berlin start-up Ubitricity has come up with a creative solution: converting street lamps into charging stations. But the reality is sobering. According to current figures from the Berlin Senate, not even one in ten streetlights is suitable for conversion. In addition, the costs are considerable at 6000 euros per conversion (without network expansion).
E-cars lead to a billion-euro grave - this is how expensive the transport transition is
Germany is facing a major challenge: according to a study by management consultants EY, the transport transition could turn out to be a billion-euro grave for the treasury. The switch to electric cars could cost the state around 50 billion euros by 2030. This is a huge sum that not only puts fiscal policy to the test, but also climate and environmental targets.
Mercedes back on diesel
Electromobility currently seems to be the industry's irrefutable future. But while companies like Volkswagen are forging ahead, other groups such as BMW, Skoda, General Motors and above all Mercedes are changing their strategy. Instead of focussing exclusively on electric drives, they are once again focusing more on customer requirements and are even planning to develop the diesel further.
ACEEE study: The most environmentally friendly car is not an electric vehicle!
Electromobility is a key building block for more sustainable mobility. Electric cars are considered to be significantly more environmentally friendly than their petrol-guzzling counterparts. However, a recent study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) shows: Electric cars are not always the more environmentally friendly option. In 2024, a plug-in hybrid, the Toyota Prius Prime SE, will top the list of the most environmentally friendly cars. This is despite the fact that electric cars follow in the next four places.
Attention low emission zones in Belgium: Up to 350 euro fine!
Belgium has drastically tightened its low emission zones for vehicles in major cities such as Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent since 2022, with further restrictions planned for 2025. Anyone driving in these cities must expect a fine of up to 350 euros. This regulation applies not only to local drivers, but also to foreign drivers. In all three cities, there is an environmental zone in which certain vehicles are not allowed to drive. Cameras monitor compliance with the rules by recording and comparing the licence plates of vehicles.
E-fuels as an alternative to electric - what is the current status?
The discussion about sustainable mobility has recently focussed increasingly on e-fuels. E-fuels, synthetic fuels obtained by reversing the combustion process, have the potential to offer a climate-friendly alternative to electric drives. However, their environmental compatibility and energy balance still need to be investigated further.
E-car production contaminates groundwater - Tesla about to stop production?
The American electric car manufacturer Tesla appears to be entering stormy waters. The Gigafactory in Grünheide, Brandenburg, is under massive fire. The accusation: excessive pollutant discharges into the groundwater. There is great concern about the quality of the groundwater and people in the region are deeply unsettled.
New EU air quality regulations: Hundreds of new low emission zones and driving bans possible
In its constant endeavour to protect the health of its citizens and the environment, the European Union has introduced a new set of air quality regulations. Following intensive negotiations between the European Parliament and representatives of the Member States, an agreement has been reached: The limit values for various air pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, are to be significantly reduced by 2030. This reform has far-reaching implications for low emission zones in Europe.
CO2 emissions from commercial vehicles to be drastically reduced - EU Parliament has clear ideas
The EU Parliament's decision to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from commercial vehicles has far-reaching implications for environmental zones and air quality. The ambitious targets stipulate that new city buses should be emission-free by 2035. Compared to 2019, their emissions are to be reduced by 90 % by 2030. Emissions from lorries and coaches are to be reduced by 90 % by 2040.