Tyre abrasion is now a major problem for electric cars, especially when it comes to heavy cars. The heavier the vehicle, the greater the abrasion. Thus, although electric cars emit fewer and fewer pollutants, the fine dust from the tyres ends up in the air and on the road.
Carbon dioxide, or CO2 for short, is for many the super villain among pollutants. Isn't CO2 also responsible for climate change?
In the USA, it was investigated how much gas escapes from a gas cooker when it is not burning and how harmful the emissions are for the climate. In small kitchens, the recommended limits can be exceeded within a few minutes.
Sulphur dioxide is a colourless gas with a pungent odour. In high concentrations it is very harmful to humans, flora and fauna. Fortunately, however, sulphur dioxide emissions are steadily decreasing.
In Baden-Württemberg, measures against particulate matter and nitrogen pollution in the air are taking effect. Ludwigsburg is the only exception.
Air quality in Germany has improved over the years, also with regard to particulate matter emissions. And yet new driving bans could be imminent.
The Berlin Senate has now evaluated a model test in which five busy main roads in Berlin were designated as 30 km/h zones. The results of the test are now available: Speed limit 30 reduces pollutant emissions. The Belgian capital Brussels is also highly satisfied after one year of 30 km/h speed limits.
Due to court rulings on the grounds of excessive nitrogen dioxide content, Stuttgart had to introduce diesel driving bans in January 2019: Vehicles with Euro 4 and below have not been allowed to enter since then. In Stuttgart's city centre and the districts of Bad Cannstatt, Feuerbach and Zuffenhausen, an even stricter regime has been in place since July 2020: on some roads there, only Euro 5 and above are allowed to drive.
From the point of view of the German Environmental Aid (DUH), the nationwide ban on the sale of fireworks and firecrackers on New Year's Eve was a complete success. However, it only refers to the pollution by fine dust, which has dropped by 90 per cent in many places.
The trade association en2x Fuels & Energie has calculated that transport in Germany is adhering to the set limits for pollutant emissions. The association calculates consumption based on the sale of fuels from cars, aircraft and ships.
