this post was submitted on 26 Jul 2023
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You mean, the SUV which sits in my driveway? The one that drives less than 500 miles a year?
The one that is parked in front of the house powered by solar energy?
Why don't you think of who the real problem is. Cargo ships running on bunker oil (This is the nastiest fuel you can imagine). Did- you know, they will typically switch to low sulfur fuels before entering most countries, because burning bunker oil is illegal nearly everywhere.
How, about you target the rich people, who fly private jets everywhere. Let's not even mention the mega yachts which are basically floating cities.
Instead, of the fellow who happens to own a large vehicle, in order to haul things, and move children between events, while being able to support the proper luggage/equipment.
Also, lastly, Would you prefer me drive around in my big SUV which gets pretty decent gas mileage (in the 20s, excellent for a large vehicle), has modern pollution systems, catalytic converters, etc.....
Or... would you prefer I drive around in my tiny racecars, with a 1,000hp turbocharged LS, absolutely no emissions equipment, not even a muffler.
Both are completely legal.
Sorry to say this to you, since you seem to take it somewhat personal, but it's evident we need to stop both SUV's and bunker oil.
I agree industry needs to step to it's game. But frankly, so do you. Battling climate change is a painful.
Your talking to one of the extremely few people in my county who have managed to offset the majority of their carbon emissions via renewable resources.
Despite my utility and local government making that process a complete pain in my ass.
And Despite my utility and local government essentially ruining any hopes of an ROI by exorting me with extra fees. (To offset me not buying their energy)
My suv which has practical purposes here is not the problem.
Willing to be your average lawnmower pollutes more...
Don't get me wrong: I seriously applaud your efforts. Like you say, we all need to do more like you.
But push comes to shove, you also need to change your SUV for an EV. All SUVs need to go. Especially since station wagons have the same utility, and are generally safer on the road.
I can't afford to buy a new car. Public transportation in the US basically doesn't exist, and riding a bike is a death sentence here. Buy me an EV and I'll gladly drive it though :)
Edit: Also, I'd have nowhere to plug in the vehicle charger since I don't have a garage where I live :/
This is not what this article is about though. They targeted huge cars in one of the most affluent areas in one of the biggest cities in Germany. We have very reliable public transport and about two days of snow per year. It is totally unnecessary to drive an SUV here. I do understand some people needing a big car for work but ferrying your kids around is easily managed using public transport here.
You're right that this post is not about the US and is specifically about Hamburg, but many of the comments here seem to imply that this is a wider reaching sentiment. The reality is that many people can't afford to change their vehicle, either due to financial reasons (their SUV or other vehicle is old and not going to get much from an exchange) or due to their lack of time. Going after random people in one city in Germany is not going to have the effect that they're hoping for. It will cause outrage, which might be the goal, but the target will be the activists, not the car manufacturers.