E-Auto gone - Finance Minister drives diesel again - German ministers ditch electric cars for diesel over range concerns

North Rhine-Westphalia's government has seen a shift in its official car fleet. Finance Minister Marcus Optendrenk recently traded his electric BMW i7 for a diesel Audi A8 L 50 TDI Quattro. The change follows concerns over the electric vehicle's range for long-distance travel.

Construction Minister Ina Scharrenbach made a similar switch to diesel for the same reason. Now, only seven ministers continue to use purely electric or hybrid cars for official trips.

Optendrenk's decision came after he faced difficulties with the BMW i7's limited range on extended journeys. The diesel Audi A8 L 50 TDI Quattro now replaces it as his official vehicle.

State Premier Hendrik Wüst and Interior Minister Herbert Reul already use armoured limousines, which currently only come with combustion engines. Their vehicles remain unchanged.

Among the ministers sticking with electric or hybrid models are Mona Neubaur, Verena Schäffer, Karl-Josef Laumann, Dorothee Feller, Benjamin Limbach, Oliver Krischer, and Silke Gorißen. Some have placed new orders for electric cars as their current leasing contracts near expiration. One minister, however, has chosen another diesel vehicle instead.

The government's list, shared with dpa, confirms that seven ministers still rely on electric or hybrid options. The remaining cabinet members now use combustion-engine cars for official duties.

The shift highlights ongoing challenges with electric vehicles for long-distance government travel. Several leasing contracts will end in the coming months, with most ministers opting for electric replacements. Only one has decided on a diesel model so far.