ELECTROMOBILITY
Burning oil to power vehicles is a dead end. Fossil fuels lead to climate catastrophe and pollute air and health. Electromobility, on the other hand, indicates a path to low-emission mobility. Only the combination of the transformation of transport with a consistent transformation of energy is viable for the future.
IS THAT TRUE?
01
TOO SHORT A RANGE?
The average range of a current e-car is around 400 km. In everyday life, on the other hand, 90 % of all trips by car in Berlin amount to less than 20 km on average.
For long distances, a short stopover is recommended anyway, which can be used to increase the range by around 100 km within 10 minutes at a fast charging station.
02
TOO EXPENSIVE?
If you only look at the purchase or lease prices, electric cars are still more expensive today compared to similar internal combustion vehicles. However, the operating costs are considerably lower (traction current instead of gasoline, significantly less wear and maintenance / repairs). In addition, there are grants from the federal and state governments to offset the additional expenses. You can compare the total cost of an e-vehicle with a combustion engine here.
03
TOO FEW CHARGING OPTIONS?
There are already over 2,500 publicly accessible charging points in Berlin and Brandenburg, and the number is constantly growing. Around 80 % of all charging processes take place at home or at work anyway - and often even a Schuko socket is sufficient for charging. In addition, a nationwide fast-charging network with more than 1,000 charging parks is currently being set up for on-the-go charging, which should be ready by the end of 2023.
04
NOT MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY THAN BURNERS?
There are always reports and voices criticizing the CO2 footprint of electric vehicles. But: Even these studies conclude that electric cars have a better climate footprint when charged with electricity from renewable sources. Furthermore, a Study by the ICCT has shown that battery-driven electric cars already have a better greenhouse gas emissions record than conventionally powered vehicles - not only in Europe, but also in China, India, and the USA. By 2030, the emissions advantage will increase even further due to the expansion of renewable energies.
05
ELECTRIC CARS SET ON FIRE MORE OFTEN?
According to studies by DEKRA, ADAC and GDV (German Insurance Association), it is clear that the statistical fire risk of an e-car is no higher than that of any other vehicle. In comparative tests, DEKRA found that the risk of accidental fires is roughly the same for both types of vehicle. The fire department does need different equipment for extinguishing these fires. However, it is no more complex or dangerous than extinguishing a gas-powered vehicle.
06
RESPONSIBLE FOR CHILD LABOR?
Time and again in discussions, non-compliance with occupational health and safety laws is raised as a point of criticism against the e-car. Clearly, the problems that still exist at some unregulated cobalt mines are unacceptable and need to be addressed as soon as possible. In total, only 8% of the mined cobalt is used in e-cars. The majority can be found in any conventional lithium-ion battery such as those used in smartphones. And vehicles with combustion engines also contain cobalt hardened parts like crankshafts, connecting rods, camshafts, and valve seat inserts.
