- CDU considers e-mobility strategy as 'failed'
Lower Saxony's CDU parliamentary group leader Sebastian Lechner sees the automotive hub in the federal state increasingly under pressure. "There must be an insight at the federal and state governments that the strategy for electromobility in its current form has failed," Lechner said, referring to the decline in the registration of E-cars. What is needed, he said, is technological openness "and not a ban on combustion engines".
Lechner further stated that no form of mobility should be preferred or disadvantaged. For many people, the car will remain indispensable in the future, regardless of how much the rail and public transport networks are expanded, argued the opposition leader.
Red-Green commits to E-mobility
The red-green state government had previously reaffirmed its commitment to the goal of transitioning to e-mobility, despite the recent low utilization of car factories in Germany, including Volkswagen in Wolfsburg. The transport sector must also contribute to combating climate change, and this can currently only be achieved through electromobility, said a spokesperson for Minister President Stephan Weil (SPD).
In Lower Saxony, work will continue to expand the charging network. "This path must be continued," said the government spokesperson.
VW plant in Wolfsburg only half utilized
The economics ministry led by Olaf Lies (SPD) stated that it wanted to dispel concerns among the population about e-mobility. For example, there are enough public charging points, so they do not have to be installed in every garage. "I don't think we need to tear up our driveways and have our own charging point," said a ministry spokesperson. "We don't have to charge at home."
An analysis by data specialist Marklines for the German Press Agency found that Volkswagen's main plant in Wolfsburg was only around half utilized last year. Furthermore, the sales of electric cars in Germany have plummeted in recent months. The state of Lower Saxony holds 20 percent of the voting rights in the VW group.
Lechner, being the CDU parliamentary group leader from Lower Saxony, expressed concerns about the automotive industry in the state facing pressure due to the decline in E-car registrations. Despite the commitment of the red-green state government to e-mobility, including the expansion of the charging network in Lower Saxony, Lechner advocated for technological openness rather than a ban on combustion engines.
