NPM – it’s German for the future of mobility

Germany is struggling to clean up its transport sector. Despite introducing ‘environmental zones’ in cities and setting lofty goals for electric vehicle (EV) uptake, emissions levels have remained virtually unchanged for four years and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles still dominate. Commitment to the diesel engine has resulted in 28 urban areas across the nation consistently breaking nitrogen dioxide limits. The dieselgate scandal of 2015 led to a renewed focus on air quality, but also to a chain of courtroom battles. Now the government is trying to reconcile calls for inner city diesel bans with the ire of drivers who worry that their vehicles will no longer be allowed on the road.