Transport Minister Volker Wissing is under scrutiny for unmet CO2 targets and delays in railway upgrades, yet remains hopeful about Deutsche Bahn’s progress. He aims to revitalize the neglected railway system by renovating major routes by 2030. While increased funding has been noted, critics argue it remains inadequate. Conversely, the electric vehicle market struggles with high costs, insufficient incentives, and inadequate charging infrastructure, leading to a significant decline in sales, highlighting the need for a more effective strategy.
Transport Minister Wissing’s Performance Review
The Federal Minister of Transport, Volker Wissing, has faced scrutiny as his ministry grapples with various challenges, including unmet CO2 targets and delays in railway renovations. Despite this, Wissing seems optimistic about the progress made at Deutsche Bahn, highlighting the severity of the issues faced by the state-owned company from the outset of his tenure.
Wissing has repeatedly emphasized the need for change, stating that the railway system has suffered from years of neglect, underfunding, and political missteps. His primary objective is to rejuvenate the railway, aiming for a service that is both “punctual and reliable.”
Revamping the Railway System
A cornerstone of Wissing’s railway policy is the ambitious renovation initiative to upgrade approximately 40 major routes by 2030. This involves a comprehensive renovation strategy for key high-performance corridors. The successful renovation of the Riedbahn between Frankfurt and Mannheim serves as a benchmark, with the project completed within the planned five-month timeframe.
This comprehensive approach entails temporarily closing construction routes to facilitate extensive upgrades, a shift from the previous method of ongoing work amidst operational disruptions. This change has garnered appreciation from the industry association Allianz pro Schiene, which notes that Wissing has allocated more funding for the railway than his predecessors.
However, some opposition figures argue that the financial backing is still insufficient and call for greater commitment from Wissing. Dirk Flege, managing director of Allianz pro Schiene, pointed out that funding for future renovations is only guaranteed until 2027, raising concerns about sustainability.
Challenges in Electric Vehicle Adoption
While the railway sector has seen some positive developments, the electric vehicle (EV) market presents a different story. Originally, the traffic light coalition set an ambitious target of having 15 million electric cars on German roads by 2030, a goal now viewed as increasingly unrealistic by experts.
Several factors contribute to the stagnation of the electric vehicle market in Germany. For one, electric models from domestic manufacturers are often pricier compared to their Chinese counterparts, making them less accessible. Furthermore, the government’s previous decision to eliminate purchase incentives after a landmark budget ruling has severely impacted sales.
Additionally, the lack of charging infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, has hindered the growth of the EV market. The ongoing debates surrounding e-fuels have also created confusion, leading to a perception that electric vehicles are just one of many options, which has further dampened consumer enthusiasm.
As a result, electric car sales have plummeted by approximately 20 percent in 2024, indicating a pressing need for a clearer, more effective strategy to boost the electric vehicle market in Germany.