Bundestag election: From CO2 price to electric - Diess demands decarbonization
The CEO of the VW Group, Herbert Diess, commented shortly after the federal election with a 10-point plan that leaves no doubt about the priorities and views of the top manager and parts of the industry. "The fact that climate policy reforms and modernization and digitalization are high on the agenda is a good basis for coalition negotiations. We have given it some thought and wish that the following 10 points are included in the negotiations," Diess boldly states. First and foremost, Diess considers a significantly higher CO2 price as the most important means of steering towards climate neutrality.
"CO2 price of €65 per ton already in 2024. Only noticeable measures drive decarbonization forward," the VW boss tweets.
Moreover, he calls for ending subsidies for fossil fuels and significantly advancing the phase-out of coal. Conversely, the expansion of renewable energies to at least 255 GW by 2030 should be prioritized by faster grid expansion. In terms of company car subsidies, he demands a clear focus on electric drives. The purchase premium for this should be maintained until 2025 and then gradually phased out.
Charging must become like refueling
For further spread of e-mobility, Diess considers it essential that "charging works like refueling." The charging infrastructure for cars and trucks should be massively promoted and expanded. He also demands mandatory targets for fast charging. Diess outright rejects the idea of using green hydrogen in mobility.
"Green hydrogen is precious and energy-intensive. It is urgently needed for green steel and the decarbonization of industries such as chemicals and cement," the VW group leader tweets.
However, he thinks far beyond the technologies themselves and calls for , "making cities livable." This includes, in his view, promoting bicycles, e-bikes, and electrified car-sharing services, which is a must. Diess also wants ride-pooling to be equated with public transport. Furthermore, fair and secure access to vehicle data should be regulated. Vehicle and cybersecurity must be ensured. Finally, for the successful deployment of autonomous driving, which he sees as the future, Diess calls for comprehensive implementation of 5G.
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