Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) is currently not relying on synthetic fuels to decarbonise car traffic. “We have to use the various energy sources where they are most efficient. In cars, that’s the electric drive, ”Wissing told Tagesspiegel.
Wissing emphasized that e-fuels will be needed primarily for air traffic. “In the foreseeable future, however, we will not have enough e-fuels to operate the cars with combustion engines that are now approved.”
In the federal election campaign, the Liberals had campaigned for e-fuels in road traffic. The FDP politician has now rejected it. “If you look at the EU regulation, you can see that the decision in favor of e-mobility has long been made,” said Wissing. “If we force the switch, we will also achieve our climate goals,” he explained. The aim is for at least 15 million fully electric cars to be registered in 2030. For this, however, a lot still has to change.
[Lesen Sie hier das gesamte Interview mit Wissing: „In manchen Bereichen kann Tempo 30 helfen“ (T+)]
Wissing now sees it as the task of the German automotive industry to convince people. “Tesla has succeeded in delighting many buyers with its models; I would also like the same for the German automobile manufacturers,” said Wissing.
At the same time, the Minister of Transport warned consumers to continue to rely on combustion cars. “We will ensure that charging with renewable electricity remains affordable. So I can only advise you to switch to CO2-neutral drives. The use of fossil fuels will become more expensive in the future, ”he said.
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The FDP politician wants to make it easier for cities to prescribe a speed limit of 30 on their streets. “Local communities know best what is good for their residents. That is why I am open to different approaches and areas of experimentation, ”said Wissing. He has had good experiences with not being ideological but flexible.
Cities could use the flexibility to make cycling and walking safer or to better protect people from noise, emphasized Wissing. “I am not convinced, however, of an area-wide Tempo 30.” This speed limit is “rather less useful” on thoroughfares.
The road traffic regulations currently only allow Tempo 30 on main roads if a dangerous situation has been proven. A broad alliance of cities would like more room for maneuver from the federal government. The initiative founded in July 2021, which is also supported by the German Association of Cities, has now been joined by over 70 cities.
Wissing rejected plans for a city toll. “I don’t think much of additional burdens from instruments such as a city toll: Mobility must remain an affordable option for everyone,” said the minister.
