"That is why we have now taken a step-by-step look at our municipal fleet of almost 200 vehicles and are examining in detail where we can be more climate-friendly or even climate-neutral with our municipal vehicles in the future."

The basis for this is a council resolution from 2018, which instructed the administration to develop an electric mobility concept for the city of Salzgitter's vehicle fleet, taking into account current funding guidelines.

Mayor Klingebiel: "Now that the "Federal Directive on the Promotion of Climate Protection Projects in the Municipal Environment" (or "Municipal Directive" for short) provides funding opportunities and 80 percent of the costs incurred, amounting to around 76,000 euros, can be funded, a detailed concept is to be drawn up. At its meeting on May 25, I will propose to the council that an external specialist company be commissioned to draw up this concept, which should be completed within a year."

The municipal vehicle fleet comprises around 190 vehicles - including 46 cars, 21 trucks up to 12 tons, 21 small tractors and four sweepers. Based on an "as-is analysis" (vehicle characteristics, condition, consumption, CO² emissions, other emissions, etc.), a needs and potential analysis, a concrete catalog of measures and an implementation plan will be drawn up. The possible future infrastructure for charging and refueling, in particular hydrogen, will also play a key role in this.

In conclusion, Klingebiel emphasizes: "The completed concept will then serve the city administration as a basis for the procurement or conversion of our vehicle fleet and the provision of the necessary infrastructure."