50 shades of black + 254 January 18, 2019 The days of unlimited speeding on Germany’s famously fast autobahns could be over if the government adopts draft proposals on climate protection put forward by its committee on the future of transport. Charged with devising recommendations on reducing the environmental harm caused by transport, the committee also proposed fuel tax hikes and electric vehicle quotas to help Germany finally meet European Union emissions targets. The proposals, outlined in a draft paper seen by Reuters, could prove controversial in car-mad Germany, whose decades-old motorway network is famous for no-limit sections where drivers can put even the fastest cars through their paces. Germany could be hit with heavy EU fines if it fails to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and poisonous nitrogen oxides. Transport emissions, which have not fallen since 1990, are a particular target for reductions. The government is torn between the need to protect Germany’s crucial car industry, buffeted by a series of costly emissions cheating scandals in recent years, and the need to act to protect a rapidly deteriorating climate. The paper says measures including a motorway speed limit of 130km/h (80mph) and fuel tax hikes from 2023, the abolition of tax breaks for diesel cars, and quotas for electric and hybrid car sales could deliver half the greenhouse gas emissions cuts that are needed. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rainman + 263 January 18, 2019 Symbolism! The Autobahn is hardly the worlds most significant contributor to climate change. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pinto + 293 PZ January 18, 2019 Germany has 30kph limits in the cities but no limit on sections the autobahns with one of lowest road tolls. Sure, drop the limit in the city but open it up on the highways... 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
damirUSBiH + 327 DD January 18, 2019 Two great things about Germany: One - Beer and sausage Two - Autobahns 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pavel + 384 PP January 18, 2019 Their road system is in extreme pristine condition and every time a pot hole appears, they fix it probably that same day. Generally, roads are much better than here, but speed limit must be. Sometimes, ride on a German highway looks like a Formula 1 race 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Auson + 123 AD January 18, 2019 3 hours ago, 50 shades of black said: The days of unlimited speeding on Germany’s famously fast autobahns could be over if the government adopts draft proposals on climate protection put forward by its committee on the future of transport. Charged with devising recommendations on reducing the environmental harm caused by transport, the committee also proposed fuel tax hikes and electric vehicle quotas to help Germany finally meet European Union emissions targets. The proposals, outlined in a draft paper seen by Reuters, could prove controversial in car-mad Germany, whose decades-old motorway network is famous for no-limit sections where drivers can put even the fastest cars through their paces. Germany could be hit with heavy EU fines if it fails to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and poisonous nitrogen oxides. Transport emissions, which have not fallen since 1990, are a particular target for reductions. The government is torn between the need to protect Germany’s crucial car industry, buffeted by a series of costly emissions cheating scandals in recent years, and the need to act to protect a rapidly deteriorating climate. The paper says measures including a motorway speed limit of 130km/h (80mph) and fuel tax hikes from 2023, the abolition of tax breaks for diesel cars, and quotas for electric and hybrid car sales could deliver half the greenhouse gas emissions cuts that are needed. Has anyone got any experience of driving an EV and say a steady 120 mph for an hour or so. I wonder what the battery drain would be, do the motors overheat ? 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites