mobility
Wissing is planning more charging networks for e-cars and a cycling offensive
The transport minister wants to expand the charging network for electric cars and cycling. But his immediate program is met with criticism. Photo: Joerg Carstensen/dpa
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The transport minister wants to close the gap to the climate targets with a package of measures. There should be more money for this. But his immediate program has met with great criticism – including from the Greens.
In order to close a gap in climate targets, Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) wants to expand the charging network for electric cars and cycling. This comes from an emergency program presented on Wednesday to meet the climate targets in the transport sector. Wissing said in Berlin that the transport sector would be guided back to the “path to compliance with climate targets”.
Wissing reports more money in the budget for the expansion of the public car and truck charging infrastructure in the coming years. It is assumed that additional budgetary funds of around eight billion euros will be required.
Wissing had to present an immediate climate protection program because the transport sector exceeded the annual CO2 emissions specified in the Climate Protection Act last year. In 2021, the transport sector’s emission targets were exceeded by around three million tonnes of CO2. According to Wissing, the package of measures will completely compensate for the difference.
Focus on e-cars and cycling
With a nationwide charging network for e-cars, the further ramp-up of electromobility and commercial vehicles should be promoted. An “expansion offensive” for cycling is also planned.
With regard to the planned expansion of local public transport, Wissing confirmed that he first wanted to wait for the results of an evaluation of the 9-euro ticket in local and regional transport – this expires at the end of August. Wissing also referred to a federal and state working group on reforms in public transport. The minister again spoke out in favor of simpler tariff structures.
Wissing further against the speed limit
Wissing again rejected a general speed limit on motorways. He had to weigh up the rapid achievement of the climate goals and the requirements and also the acceptance of the society for measures on the other hand, he said.
Regarding the fact that the federal government has not yet submitted an entire immediate climate protection program, Wissing said that there was still a need for discussion. He is convinced that progress can be made very quickly here and is ready to make compromises.
Wissing’s emergency program met with great criticism, including from the Greens as coalition partners. Wissing must present effective measures instead of getting lost in the small things, said Green energy politician Lisa Badum. “There are so many measures on the table: reducing climate-damaging subsidies or reforming company car privileges and motor vehicle tax. The ministry has to get off the brakes and now push the mobility turnaround. Greenpeace spokeswoman Marion Tiemann said: “Volker Wissing takes refuge in climate protection in nebulous funding commitments and blocks further quick effective steps such as a speed limit.”