Vehicles with different combinations of fuel and engine are being developed and tested in Germany. The many activities in progress are evidence of the high standard achieved in developing and demonstrating new driving technologies in Germany, especially in relation to environmental protection. The Federal Environment Ministry has launched a new demonstration project for gas-powered commercial vehicles, which will develop a fleet of about 100 vehicles. This experiment is expected to provide important insights on the vehicles and on the resulting needs for infrastructure. Electric vehicles will increasingly be used as a complement to conventional vehicles, and are already being used successfully for various transport purposes. New electric driving systems are being sought for commercial vehicles, especially for small manoeuvrable transporters and minibuses for urban areas. The German Federal Government is supporting basic research and the creation of an appropriate framework for electric cars. Some public aid is also being given to an increased use of renewable energy systems and infrastructures, such as `solar filling stations'. A recent survey forecasts that, by 2010, 6% of passenger cars and 14% of commercial vehicles in Germany will have alternative driving systems, especially electric systems.
Samenvatting