Tag: Retrofitting
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).
France: scrappage scheme 2.0?
With a unanimous vote, the reuse of cars originally destined for scrapping was decided in favour of the country's most vulnerable citizens. While the intention behind this measure is respectable, its implementation leaves many questions unanswered and raises serious concerns about its environmental impact.
HVO100 - Is the driving ban for standard diesel now coming?
On 22 March 2024, the German Federal Council gave its approval for the authorisation of climate-friendly pure diesel fuels. The beacon of hope of this new era is HVO100, short for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil. This fuel, which is produced from the conversion of vegetable oils or recyclable waste materials, is to be available at German filling stations from 13 April 2024.
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.
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.
Denmark travellers beware: Cars and motorhomes also affected
From 1 October 2023, the rules in the Danish low emission zones will be tightened. Cars and motorhomes will then also be affected. Penalties for failing to register can be up to 1,700 euros.
Glasgow: Is the Low Emission Zone putting taxis (and women) at risk?
As of yesterday, most internal combustion vehicles - including taxis - are no longer allowed to enter Glasgow's Low Emission Zone without penalty. A green retrofit of the industry could no longer be postponed, he said. However, the city is expected to offer alternative and safe mobility solutions to compensate for the displacement of thousands of taxis.
Air traffic needs green solutions – and environmental zones?
The so-called traffic turnaround does not only mean sustainable mobility on the roads. The aviation industry must also reduce its emissions – and thus its negative impact on air quality and the environment. What will be the best green drive solution? E-fuels or fuel cells? Will environmental zones soon also regulate traffic in the air?
Transport turnaround: German Armed Forces to be climate-neutral by 2045
The mobility revolution is soon to reach the German military as well. Thanks to hydrogen and, in part, electric drives, the Bundeswehr is also to become climate-neutral over the next 20 years. The German government wants to reduce climate-damaging emissions in every sector in order to achieve the climate goals.