University Society event: Is the electric car the solution to all (diesel) problems?

The Eckernförde branch of the Schleswig-Holstein University Society is hosting a series of lectures at the Schleswig-Holstein Artists’ House otte1.

On Wednesday, 18 March 2026, at 7 p.m., Dr Sönke Harm from the Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics (IEAP) at Kiel University will speak on a topic that has been shaping the public debate on climate policy for years: whether the electric car is the solution to all (diesel) problems.

In his lecture, he will compare the carbon dioxide and other emissions of vehicles with combustion engines with the emissions of purely electric vehicles. It will become apparent that, given
Germany’s current electricity mix, the carbon footprint of an electric vehicle is relatively poor, especially when the energy-intensive production of the battery is taken into account. At present, a relevant reduction in CO2 emissions can only be achieved by switching from cars to other means of transport. However, with the increasing share of electricity from renewable energy sources, the balance will also improve significantly for electric cars in the future. In addition to these emission considerations, the lecture will also address possible advances in the achievable energy density of batteries and aspects of recycling electric vehicles.

The lecture will take place at the Schleswig-Holstein Künstlerhaus, Ottestraße 1, 24340 Eckernförde.
Admission: Non-members €5. Members of all sections, school pupils, students and trainees free of charge.
Admission: from 6.30 p.m.