Political shifts may shape how quickly Germany adopts electric cars and solar power

A new study conducted by the Climate Action Research Lab (CARL) at the University of Freiburg finds that electric cars and photovoltaic systems are less widespread on average in municipalities with strong support for Alternative for Germany (AfD). The researchers also examined how changes in political support within the same municipalities over time affect subsequent adoption of these technologies. They found that an increase in the AfD's share of the vote is followed by relatively slower adoption of electric cars and photovoltaic systems. The technologies continue to spread, but at a slower rate. The work is published in the journal Nature Sustainability.