Authors
Friedemann Kallmeyer | Mobility Researcher
Katharina Csillak | Geographer and Mobility Researcher
Executive Summary
Introduction
- Goal: German government aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transport sector by 48% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels).
- Focus:
- Technical innovations, especially propulsion transition.
- Necessity of traffic reduction and eco-friendly modal shifts for climate goals.
- Key Concepts:
- Mobility Transition: Encompasses traffic reduction, modal shifts, and changes in mobility behaviour.
- Propulsion Transition: Technological shifts in driving systems.
- Key Considerations:
- Openness to technology in discussions.
- Automotive industry’s central role and history in Germany.
- Technological and behaviour change are needed for a successful mobility transition.
Highlights I: Electromobility
- Significant growth in electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Germany and Europe.
- Driven by CO2 fleet limits and purchase subsidies.
- Challenges: Charging infrastructure development faces the “chicken-and-egg” dilemma.
- Projected increase in freight volume by 2030, emphasizing the need for modal shifts to rail.
- Technological advancements in propulsion are essential to mitigate rising emissions.
- Critical infrastructure: Expansion of overhead catenary systems for electric trucks.
- Opportunity Charging (OC): Quick charging at terminal stations.
- In-Motion Charging: Continuous charging using overhead cables, enabling unlimited range.
- Depot Charging (DC): Charging during operational pauses, with a range of 200–300 km.
- Adoption: 13% of German households own at least one electric bike.
- Electric cargo bikes play a vital role in urban freight for the "last mile."
- Controversies: E-scooter use and parking management remain debated topics.
Highlights II: Autonomous Driving
- Strategic Goal: Germany aims to lead in autonomous driving technology.
- Key Developments:
- Legislative advancements (e.g., “Act on Autonomous Driving” for Level 4 vehicles).
- Focus on safety, efficiency, sustainability, and accessibility.
- Applications:
- Addressing driver shortages and enhancing public transport.
- Improved mobility for individuals with disabilities and rural access.
- Objectives:
- Retain automotive manufacturing dominance.
- Ensure environmental friendliness and affordability.
Highlights III: Smart Mobility
- Definition: Integration of digital technologies for efficient, sustainable transportation.
- Components:
- Use of AI, data analytics, and intelligent traffic systems.
- Enhanced networking of services (e.g., car-sharing, bike rentals).
- Key Features:
- Mobility Stations: Centralized hubs integrating public and private transport modes.
- On-Demand Services: Flexible, tech-enabled public transport reducing private car ownership.
- Examples:
- Jelbi (Berlin): Comprehensive mobility station services.
- Lotti (Schwabach): Mobility-on-demand solutions.
- hvv hop (Hamburg): Integration of autonomous driving with public transport.
Conclusion
“The discussion of which technologies should be promoted, and which will dominate in the future continues, hindering the rapid application of some technologies in Germany’s transport sector. Particularly with regard to Germany’s climate goals, decisions must be made quickly to close the climate target gap and catch up with other countries.
Accordingly, the reduction of emissions in transport must be driven forward more strongly through both propulsion and mobility transition. Electrification, autonomous driving, and smart mobility solutions can contribute to passenger transport in this regard.”
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Mobility Transformation, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, p. 72
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