Three German cities - Berlin, Hannover and Cologne - instituted a ban on cars that don't have catalizers or DPF (Diesel Particulate Filters). A windshield sticker proving a vehicle's environmental status is now needed to drive into the cities, known as environmental zones. But, like Mos Def wondering why he needs ID to get ID, how can you get a sticker if you're outside and want to come in? The website Green Zones will provide, for either 30 or 40 Euros. The website is available in 13 languages and the window badges will be valid in any of the German environmental zones.

Even if you're not planning on hitting those three cities any time soon, you might want to keep Green Zones in your bookmarks. More German cities will require the stickers come March, and Green Zones' stickers will work there as well. See the press release pasted after the jump for more details.

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[Source: Climate Company]

Starting on the first day of this new year, three German cities (Berlin, Hannover and Cologne, pictured) have applied a complete ban on all vehicles that have no catalysers or DPF (Diesel Particulate Filters) in the city centers. To enter, cars must have a windshied sticker stating the installation of such devices.

German authorities try to keep city centers as clean as possible. The extension of these areas differs (we're speaking about very different cities here) but they include more than the historical city centers. Drivers can purchase identification labels for their vehicles and, in Berlin's case, it's estimated that 80 percent of the city's 1.2 million vehicles already have these labels. For now, Berlin's enforcement will be flexible; it's not until the end of January that drivers without such identificators will be fined. But from then on, the fine is 400 EUR.

Similar plans are currently being applied in cities around Italy (with mixed results). Other cities in Europe are also thinking about similar bans.

[Source: Agencia EFE via El Economista]

Hydrogenics Corporation, a hydrogen and fuel cell manufacturer, demonstrated a fuel cell hybrid minibus in Hannover, during the world's largest annual industrial fair. The bus worked alongside the regular fleet of diesel buses, clocking 405 kilometers over five days, and consuming 10.1 kg of Hydrogen. The bus did not require any maintenance or repairs. The hybrid fuel cell design allows the bus to travel approximately 200 km on one fill of hydrogen. The same bus in full-electric configuration can only operate 60 to 80 km. The next shuttle assignment for the fuel cell hybrid minibus is scheduled for the World Cup Soccer in Germany this summer, an event I am eagerly looking forward to, not just because it showcases alternative propulsion systems.

[source: Hydrogenics Press Release]