Germany continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, taking significant steps in this direction, yet certain areas, such as the North Sea and Baltic Sea islands, still face particular challenges in the eMobility transition.
The recent announcement by the German government regarding the creation of the first fast-charging network for electric trucks has been enthusiastically received within the sector.
This initiative, which envisions 350 locations with 4,200 Megawatt Charging System (MCS) and Combined Charging System (CCS) points, promises to revolutionise heavy transport in the country.
However, the absence of the islands in this plan has generated uncertainty.
“Unfortunately, just like with the German car network, the North Sea and Baltic Sea islands have been ignored once again,” states an industry insider.
In this context, it assures Mobility Portal Europe: “The German islands are eager to promote sustainability, including in mobility and transport.”
Currently, five of the seven East Frisian islands are car-free. Logistics there operate via electric carts, horses, and carriages.
This means that despite this exclusion, this locations have not remained idle.
In fact, they have taken significant steps to independently foster eMobility.
The East Frisian islands have implemented various strategies to reduce their carbon footprint and promote the use of electric vehicles.
Borkum, the largest of them, has been a pioneer in this regard.
How so? Since 2017, it has established an electromobility strategy group that has driven numerous initiatives.
Nordseeheilbad Borkum GmbH, the company responsible for the island’s wellbeing, has converted its fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) and installed several charging stations.
Additionally, the locality has eBuses in its public transport, as well as Germany’s first electric ambulance and police motorcycle.
The island has also adopted a car-sharing system with zero-emission cars, providing a sustainable option for both residents and tourists.
The police on Juist, another East Frisian island, have followed suit by using an e-quad for their patrols, highlighting the adoption of clean technologies in the region.
And they are not the only ones.
Another location that has stood out in promoting electromobility is Spiekeroog.
It has implemented a car-sharing service known as “Küstenstromer” and uses electric vehicles for waste collection and other island services.
In the port of Neuharlingersiel, EVs are available for both islanders and visitors from the mainland.
The role of tourism in the transition to electromobility
Undoubtedly, tourism is one of the main economic activities of the German islands, but it also represents a challenge in terms of sustainability.
According to a statement from Ostfriesische Insel GmbH, it is responsible for approximately eight percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Therefore, to maintain the attractiveness of this locations as tourist destinations and protect their unique ecosystem, it is essential that it is environmentally friendly.
Proactive measures have been adopted to reduce car dependency and promote alternative forms of mobility.
The prohibition of cars on five of the seven islands is a clear example of this commitment, while on the islands where vehicles are allowed, such as Borkum and Norderney, significant efforts have been made to encourage the use of EVs.
In this context, the development of a charging network that includes this locations is crucial to ensure they are not left behind in the transition to electric mobility.
It is essential that the German government considers the inclusion of these regions in their future plans, as well as private companies and local administrations.
Especially considering that in the comprehensive German fast-charging network (Deutschlandnetz), which ensures a fast-charging infrastructure across the country, most of the islands have also been excluded.
This network aims to cover more than 1,000 locations with around 9,000 charging points to close the “white spots” remaining on the “refuelling” map.
