Introduction of new power-trains

The global transport system is complex. Diverse vehicles are in operation around the world for a huge variety of applications. Yet for almost a century, there has been remarkable accord in the question of the drive used: almost all our cars use a combustion engine and require petroleum fuel. Even in rail transport, diesel is required in many locations. Changing the dominance of fossil-powered drives is a significant challenge. 

The switch to alternative drives and regenerative fuels is urgently required. Over the coming decades such drives will enter the overall transportation sector step by step. Electromobility, battery-powered on the basis of hydrogen and fuel cells, provides the long-term potential to cover large portions of private and commercial transport. But how can the requisite infrastructure of charging points and hydrogen filling stations be developed while there are still only very few vehicles requiring such services? And conversely, how can a new vehicle market emerge when there are no or little possibilities to refuel these vehicles?

Through targeted support of these forms of mobility, the federal government is helping to provide much-needed answers to these questions. This is occurring in several steps including: the development of vehicles and associated technologies; the initiation of pre-competitive and cross-industry cooperation; as well as market preparation through comprehensive demonstration projects. Accompanying research and process roadmapping systematically supplements the projects being funded. The “Electromobility in Model Regions” funding programme and the “National Innovation Programme for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology” (NIP) provide a framework for these activities.