Politician’s Company Cars Under Fire for Environmental Impact
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berlin – A new analysis reveals that many German politicians continue to utilize vehicles with significant carbon footprints,raising questions about commitment to climate goals. The annual “company car check” conducted by the German environmental Aid (DUH) found that a majority of official vehicles used by top officials are not aligned with environmental standards.
Emissions Exceeding EU Limits
The DUH assessment, released today, indicates that seven out of eleven federal ministers are driving vehicles that exceed the EU fleet limit of 93.6 grams of CO₂ per kilometer, set for new cars beginning in 2025. This contrasts sharply with the average CO₂ emission of all new cars in Germany, which stood at nearly 120 grams per kilometer in 2024, according to the Federal motor Transport Authority.
This discrepancy highlights a gap between policy and practice, prompting criticism from environmental groups and raising concerns about the government’s dedication to reducing emissions.
Who’s Driving What?
Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) demonstrates the most environmentally conscious choice, with his electric vehicle emitting only 62 grams of CO₂ per kilometer. Conversely, Federal Minister of Labor Bärbel Bas (SPD) drives an Audi A8 L 60 Tfsie Quattro, generating 209 grams of CO₂ per kilometer – the highest among those examined at the federal level.
Top Offenders and Climate-Friendly Choices
Bavaria’s Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) tops the list with the highest emissions, driving a BMW X7 M60I XDRIVE that produces 292 grams of CO₂ per kilometer. Baden-Württemberg’s Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann (Greens) leads in environmental obligation, utilizing a Mercedes EQs with emissions of 70 grams of CO₂ per kilometer.
Did You Know? The EU fleet limit of 93.6 grams of CO₂ per kilometer is a key component of the European Green Deal, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector.
| Politician | Vehicle | CO₂ Emissions (g/km) |
|---|---|---|
| Carsten Schneider | Electric Vehicle | 62 |
| Bärbel Bas | audi A8 L 60 Tfsie Quattro | 209 |
| Markus Söder | BMW X7 M60I XDRIVE | 292 |
| Winfried Kretschmann | Mercedes EQs | 70 |
Mixed Results at the State Level
Environmental ministers also present a varied picture. Hamburg’s environmental senator Jens Kerstan (Greens) operates the most fuel-efficient vehicle, emitting 59 grams of CO₂ per kilometer. Bremen’s environmental senator Kathrin moosdorf (Greens) goes even further, utilizing a company bicycle. However, Saxony-Anhalt’s Minister of the Environment, Armin Willingmann (SPD), drives a hybrid vehicle with the highest emissions among environmental ministers, at 205 grams of CO₂ per kilometer.
Pro Tip: When evaluating vehicle emissions, consider the entire lifecycle impact, including manufacturing, fuel production, and end-of-life disposal.
A Slight Improvement, But Progress Stalls
The survey reveals that 63 percent of all company cars received a “red card” for exceeding emission standards, a slight improvement from 74 percent the previous year. The proportion of purely battery-electric vehicles has increased modestly, from 50 to 57 percent at the federal level. However, the overall number of all-electric vehicles remains stagnant, with only 87 out of 238 cars running exclusively on electricity.
Politicians from the Green party consistently demonstrate the lowest emissions,while those from the FDP exhibit the highest. BMW and Audi remain the preferred brands among top German politicians, with models like the BMW 750E XDRIVE and Audi A8 being notably popular.
Concerns over Future Emissions Targets
The DUH expresses concern that the government may fail to meet its commitment to phase out combustion engines by 2035. the organization argues that the continued reliance on high-emission vehicles undermines efforts to transition to a sustainable transportation system. Instead of seriously tackling the switch to the future-proof electrical drive, the Federal Government relies on climate-damaging combustion limousines
, the DUH criticized.
What steps can be taken to incentivize politicians to adopt more sustainable transportation options? and how can we ensure greater clarity in government vehicle procurement processes?
The debate surrounding the environmental impact of government fleets is part of a broader global trend towards sustainable transportation. Governments worldwide are facing increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprints and lead by example. The adoption of electric vehicles, the progress of choice fuels, and the promotion of public transportation are all key strategies in this effort. The long-term success of these initiatives will depend on continued investment, technological innovation, and a commitment to policy changes that prioritize environmental sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the EU fleet limit for CO₂ emissions? The EU fleet limit for new cars is 93.6 grams of CO₂ per kilometer, effective from 2025.
- Which political party had the lowest average emissions? Politicians from the Green party consistently demonstrated the lowest emissions in the DUH assessment.
- What is the most popular car brand among German politicians? BMW and Audi are the most frequently chosen brands for company cars used by top German officials.
- What is the DUH? The DUH (German Environmental Aid) is a prominent environmental organization that advocates for sustainable policies and conducts independent research.
- Why are some government vehicles exempt from the evaluation? Vehicles used for the protection of high-ranking officials, such as the Chancellor, are exempt due to their specialized armored construction.
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