The electric car is the reason why Germany may not put speed limits on its highways, the German Transport Minister has made it known.
For a few years now, there have been many voices in Germany that have advocated establishing speed limits on sections of the Autobahn that currently do not have them. In fact, sports figures like Sebastian Vettel have even come out in favor of setting speed limits on this type of road.
However, the revolution that the automobile industry is experiencing with the advent of the electric car could be the reason why Germany might not put speed limits on its highways.
The electric car that Germany does not put a speed limit on its highways
“Rhythm is the personal responsibility of citizens, as long as others are not endangered. The state should contain itself here,” said Volker Wissing, German transport minister, in a statement reported by Automobilwoche.
“High energy prices are already causing many people to drive slower. And with electric cars, people will not drive so fast because they want to save energy, ”adds the politician from the coalition government that has been in power since October 2021.
It is precisely this coalition government that has the most representatives in favor of limiting speed on the entire German motorway network. Its high point took place a few months ago, according to some reports, and after the declarations of the Minister of Transport, the debate could return.
Beyond the way in which high-speed driving affects the range of electric cars and energy consumption, this type of vehicle usually has a limited maximum speed, which in many cases ranges between 150 and 160 km/h, as a protection measure for the motor and battery.
On the other hand, Wissing has exposed the possibility of expanding roads to help minimize traffic congestion: “In Germany, not only the number of cars, but also the traffic of goods has increased steadily over the years.”
“In 2023 there will be another 50 million tons [para transportar]. Even if not everyone likes it: there will be more traffic on German roads and we have to deal with it. Otherwise, the economy will come to a standstill and we will lose jobs,” explained the German minister.
These statements in favor of expanding the road network run counter to the environmental goals of the other parties in Germany, leading to friction in the government.
EN: roads, highways, speed, limits, Germany