Landrat Stefan Sternberg (SPD) of the Ludwigslust‑Parchim district has publicly rejected the idea of a battery‑electric service car, arguing that a potential defence or “tension” scenario could lead to nationwide power outages that would make an electric vehicle unusable for official duties.
Why the electric car was ruled out
Sternberg told the district council that, as a member of critical infrastructure (KRITIS), he cannot rely on an E‑car because it is “not crisis‑suitable”. In a three‑page written response he warned that a “defence or tension case is the biggest crisis scenario for Germany” and that prolonged, nationwide electricity cuts would force the use of diesel generators to charge electric vehicles.
Details of the current fleet
The landrat currently uses a BMW hybrid sedan that weighs nearly 2.5 tonnes, combines combustion and electric power for a total output of 489 hp and can reach 250 km/h – the heaviest and most powerful of the six district administrators’ vehicles.
Comparisons with other district administrators
Neighbouring district administrators have taken different approaches. CDU‑landrat Tino Schomann (Nordwestmecklenburg) relies on a leadership vehicle from the district fleet equipped with a permanent blue‑light system, stating his Audi A8 would get stuck off‑road. CDU‑landrat Timo Gaarz (Ost‑Holstein) drives a pure electric car, justified by the council’s climate‑protection plan rather than any wartime considerations.
Criticism from environmental groups
The Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) slammed Sternberg’s reasoning as “absurd” and questioned the need for a heavy diesel‑powered limousine in a crisis, noting that such a vehicle would struggle on unpaved roads. DUH’s director Jürgen Resch argued that electric service cars could actually be advantageous during power cuts, as they can supply electricity to essential devices.
Political reactions
Phillip Lübbert, head of the Greens‑Free Voters group, called the reference to a possible war “exaggerated and fabricated”, emphasizing that the landrat is not a defence minister and that electric cars could still be viable in a wartime setting.
Implications for public‑service mobility
By equating his vehicle to rescue‑service cars, Sternberg highlights a dilemma: ensuring uninterrupted mobility for officials during emergencies while navigating growing expectations for climate‑friendly fleets.
Possible next steps
Analysts note that the district could consider hybrid or plug‑in hybrid models that combine electric range with a diesel backup, or invest in emergency‑ready charging infrastructure. Pressure from environmental groups and political opponents may also prompt a review of the procurement criteria for official vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sternberg refuse an electric service car?
He stated that, as part of critical infrastructure, an electric vehicle is “not crisis‑suitable” because a potential defence scenario could cause long‑lasting, nationwide power outages, rendering the car unusable.
What alternative does Sternberg propose for powering vehicles in a crisis?
Sternberg wrote that in the worst‑case scenario, electricity for electric cars would have to be generated by diesel generators, as public charging stations are not equipped for emergency power supply.
How have other district administrators responded to mobility concerns?
CDU‑landrat Tino Schomann relies on a district fleet vehicle with a permanent blue‑light system, while CDU‑landrat Timo Gaarz uses a pure electric car based on the council’s climate plan. Both have expressed different views on vehicle suitability in emergencies.
How should public officials balance emergency readiness with the push for greener official fleets?
