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Green transition of the mobility sector

Germany’s transport sector is far from climate-friendly – scenarios for the mobility transition, alternative propulsion systems and sustainable mobility concepts
© plainpicture / Martin Wimmer

© plainpicture / Martin Wimmer

Germany aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions from transport to 85 million tonnes – almost half the 2019 figure – by 2030. By 2045, the transport sector must be carbon-neutral. However, the transport sector’s contribution to climate change mitigation is still unsatisfactory, with no reduction in its CO2 emissions by 2019 compared with 1990, the baseline year. In light of the immense challenges, a high level of climate policy ambition is required if emissions are to fall. At the same time, the volume of traffic will continue to increase unless appropriate policy measures are taken; here, a sustainability-based approach is needed – with alternative propulsion systems and a phase-out of the internal combustion engine, and with integrated mobility offers, joint use schemes such as car-sharing, more attractive public transport services, and an improved walking and cycling infrastructure.

Which scenarios will enable the climate targets to be met? Which measures and mechanisms can make genuine contributions to climate change mitigation, and what will be the effect of combining different instruments? These questions are the focus of the Oeko-Institut’s work on the mobility transition. Its researchers

  • devise climate and resource policy strategies,
  • assess the impacts of specific measures,
  • develop and review alternative mobility and propulsion concepts,
  • and propose options for eco-friendly freight transport.

Overview

Focus

News

Projects

Publications

Infographics

  • More and more traction batteries for electromobility in the EU

    In view of the currently rapidly growing number of used batteries from electric vehicles, buses and e-scooters, the question of proper end-of-life management is becoming more and more urgent (see infographic). Although recycling capacities are being built up in the EU, the logistics and recycling processes are usually associated with considerable costs.

    "There is currently a trend to 'donate' used batteries to other countries," says battery researcher Dr Johannes Betz of the Oeko-Institut. Many manufacturers argue that used batteries can still be used – for example in solar projects in Africa. More and more projects and press releases are praising this so-called repurposing approach as a solution. "Repurposing of used Li-ion batteries can certainly yield many environmental benefits”, says Betz. "But it is hard to understand why the focus is on shipping old batteries to low- and middle-income countries, given the great need for electricity storage in Germany and the EU”.

    More and more traction batteries for electromobility in the EU

    Image06/15/2022
    In view of the currently rapidly growing number of used batteries from electric vehicles, buses and e-scooters, the question of proper end-of-life management is becoming more and more urgent (see infographic). Although recycling capacities are being built up in the EU, the logistics and recycling processes are usually associated with considerable costs.
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  • Climate-friendly mobility in urban and rural areas is possible

    Even in small towns and villages, a large proportion of the population can cover 60 per cent of their journeys without their own car because the distances are less than eight kilometres. Pedelecs offer additional possibilities, especially when the distances are longer than five kilometres, differences in altitude have to be overcome or loads have to be transported. Whether urban or rural, less than five percent of paths are longer than 50 kilometres and less than two percent are longer than 100 kilometres. Even the routes in this longest category can usually be completed without problems with today's electric vehicles, especially if reliable charging infrastructure is available at the destination or en route.

    Climate-friendly mobility in urban and rural areas is possible

    Image06/07/2021
    Even in small towns and villages, a large proportion of the population can cover 60 per cent of their journeys without their own car because the distances are less than eight kilometres.
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  • Flying and climate protection: aviation's vision of the future

    If we want to limit global warming to 1.5°C, CO₂ emissions from aviation must also be reduced to zero. The infographic shows various options for action: The simplest and most effective way for climate protection in aviation is, of course, to avoid flights. Video conferencing and home office instead of business trips is one option. But the frequency of private long-distance travel must also be questioned: Taking the train instead of short-haul flights is a good way to shift air travel to earthbound mobility. In addition, new technologies will also be needed to strongly reduce the climate impact of flights - such as the use of hydrogen or synthetic kerosene.

    Further information: http://www.fliegen-und-klima.de/en

    Flying and climate protection: aviation's vision of the future

    Image06/01/2021
    If we want to limit global warming to 1.5°C, CO₂ emissions from aviation must also be reduced to zero. The infographic shows various options for action: The simplest and most effective way for climate protection in aviation is, of course, to avoid flights. Video conferencing and home office instead of business trips is one option.
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