VM-Interview with Bavaria's Environment Minister Glauber: "Enthusiastic about E-Mobility for a Long Time"
VM: Mr. Minister Glauber, you were ahead as an "Early Adopter" in terms of e-mobility, with a BMW i3. What convinced you so much back then?
Thorsten Glauber: I have been enthusiastic about e-mobility for a long time. When I drove my first electric car over ten years ago, one had to be somewhat resilient. In winter, on longer journeys, the question was: Heating or range? I answered that question with a hat and scarf. From the very beginning, I drove an electric car out of great conviction. E-mobility, especially from renewable-generated electricity, is climate-friendly and protects the environment. As an “Early Adopter,” I wanted to set a signal for the mobility transition from the start.
VM: Even within the ministry itself, you, as one of the exceptions, are relying on an entirely electric fleet. How does that work in ministerial everyday life and do you have to make any compromises with appointments?
TG: E-mobility is the transport of the future. A lot has happened in the past years. The range of the vehicles has increased, the number of charging points has risen significantly, and the charging process is much faster. In the area of charging infrastructure, Bavaria is nationally leading. One in five publicly accessible charging points is in Bavaria. By 2030, there should be 100,000 publicly accessible charging points in Bavaria. For me as Environment Minister, this means driving an electric vehicle is practical. The good news: We have never stranded anywhere and have always achieved our goal.
VM: You are also the Minister of Consumer Protection: Why do you think so many people are still skeptical about e-mobility?
TG: The current sales figures in Germany speak for themselves. I believe that the high acquisition costs for e-vehicles primarily cause many consumers to hesitate when purchasing. The very short-lived subsidy from the federal government last year certainly did further harm. Lack of range and long charging times are also frequently cited. However, for most everyday journeys, these concerns are unfounded. Just give it a test drive; maybe e-mobility does fit into your daily life after all.
VM: Especially in company fleets, there is great potential for the propulsion transition. Why do you think so few fleets have been converted so far?
TG: We, as the Environmental Ministry, want to lead by example. We converted our fleet to alternative propulsion technologies years ago. To use these sensibly, numerous e-charging stations, including a fast-charging station, were set up. Photovoltaic systems on the ministry's roof supply us with renewable electricity. Our Bavarian climate protection program foresees an electric drive for two-thirds of new acquisitions for the state’s own vehicle fleet from 2025. We are happy when companies participate and convert their fleets. There are also tax benefits for fully electric company cars compared to combustion-engine cars.
VM: Not least in the rural population, the reservations are significant. Yet, in particular, there is great potential for e-mobility here through coupling with photovoltaics on the many individual properties and houses, while replacing the car seems rather unrealistic. How could that be changed?
TG: The mobility of the future is climate-friendly. That is certain. The means of transportation can be quite different in this respect. In the city, public transport is much better developed, and cycling can also be a real alternative for shorter distances. It is easier to do without a car there. I also wish for an expansion of bus and rail services in rural areas. But particularly for rural areas, electromobility can be a central topic for the future. Those who live in their own house can relatively easily set up the necessary infrastructure: The wallbox, especially in combination with a PV system, is a great solution. By connecting the charging infrastructure with the power grids, electromobility can also become an important component for the overall energy transition. Keyword: bidirectional charging. Here, the electric car serves as a power storage for the house.
VM: Do you see an alternative to electrification in mobility to meet climate goals?
TG: We want to be climate neutral in Bavaria by 2040. We are pursuing an ambitious climate policy in the Free State. For us, the triad consists of the clear climate goals of the Climate Protection Act, our Climate Billion, and our Bavarian Climate Protection Program. We can only tackle climate change with concrete measures. The Climate Protection Act 2.0, for example, establishes the overriding public interest for all renewable energies. This priority enables substantial expansion of renewable energies. A key component to achieving the climate goals is also a rapid increase in electromobility. The chosen path is the right one.
VM: What do you think about hydrogen, e-fuels, and currently also HVO for use in mobility?
TG: We need openness to technology. Hydrogen, especially green hydrogen, is a precious commodity. Hydrogen should be used wherever there are currently no or hardly any alternatives and high energy density is needed. In the field of mobility, I see potential for hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels, particularly in heavy-duty, shipping, aviation, and rail transport. E-fuels can also become a component. Liquid e-fuels are indispensable for climate protection, especially in aviation and shipping, as well as a raw material in petrochemistry. HVO 100 has enriched the fuel supply at our filling stations for several months. We should make use of all potentials.
VM: And what do you think in this context about the debate on the phasing out of the so-called internal combustion engine phase-out of the EU by 2035, which actually does not specify a fixed end date?
TG: The automotive industry thinks in correspondingly long cycles when developing and manufacturing vehicles. Therefore, the industry primarily needs planning and investment security. My commitment to electromobility stands. I do not think that bans are the right way. As I said, I want us to be open to technology.
VM: The climate crisis has long since become visible and tangible, most recently with the devastating floods in Bavaria: Why is it still so difficult for us as a society to act?
TG: I meet people every day who are highly committed to our environment and the climate. Every contribution counts when it comes to climate protection. It is clear: The risk of flooding and heavy rain events also increases due to climate change. Improving flood protection is a long-term task for society as a whole. The Free State will remain a strong partner by the side of the people in flood protection. Climate protection and climate adaptation are central future tasks, which primarily include flood protection.
VM: Your ministry currently allocates a third of the budget for climate adaptation measures. Wouldn't prevention be cheaper and better? How do we get into "prevention mode"?
TG: To adapt Bavaria to the impact of climate change and support the municipalities in this process, the Free State has developed its own climate adaptation strategy. With this, we also want to relieve our children and grandchildren, who will particularly feel the effects of climate change. In addition, we are of course also relying on numerous measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our Climate Protection Act 2.0 points the way to a climate-neutral future.
VM: As Environment Minister, you must keep an eye on the "big picture," but you cannot influence it politically across departments. Don't we already need a climate and environment department with a cross-sectional function?
TG: Climate protection and climate adaptation are cross-departmental tasks. Each ministry has its own resources for this purpose. This allows them to implement their respective measures. The district governments, district offices, cities, and municipalities are also equally challenged to independently advance climate protection and climate adaptation as important tasks. Only if everyone pulls together will we be successful.
VM: Doesn't this also improve the quality of life in cities? Is the climate crisis therefore also an opportunity?
TG: Our goal is to further improve the quality of life in cities. We want to bring biodiversity and natural experiences back into our cities in Bavaria. To achieve this, cities should be designed as hotspots of biodiversity. The urban jungle should take on a completely new meaning: The goal is to create living space for both humans and nature under one roof. We are saying goodbye to concrete jungles and opting for green oases.
VM: As an architect, you also have a vision for the city as a whole: How do you envision the climate-resilient city of the future and what does mobility look like in your view?
TG: In times of climate change, the expansion of blue and green infrastructure in cities is imperative. A healthy urban nature with many public green spaces and good air quality is crucial for the quality of life in urban areas. Evaporation, shading, open spaces, green roofs, and facades are central themes for the livable city of the future. Urban trees and green belts are natural air conditioners: They provide shade, cool, and humidify the air. Sponge cities simultaneously retain water and are important elements in flood protection. I envision a city of short distances. Mobility is climate-friendly with a well-developed public transport system or by bicycle.
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