Summary: Electric mobility has recently received much attention from politics, media, car companies and electric utilities. This article discusses technical aspects, chances and barriers of electric mobility. Compared to internal combustion engines, electric vehicles have several potential advantages: low local emissions, increased energy effi ciency, a diversifi cation of energy sources and the possibility of using renewable energy. In addition, there are synergies between the vehicle fl eet and the electricity system, which might be realized by implementating the Vehicle-to-Grid concept. The low cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles is a major barrier. Moreover, there are infrastructural and socio-cultural obstacles. As for the impact on the electricity system, a differentiated view is necessary. In general, existing German power plants are capable of generating the additional electricity required by future e-mobility scenarios. Problematic peak loads however can only be avoided if vehicle loading is carried out in a controlled way. In the short run, it should not be expected that electric vehicles lead to signifi cant reductions of German carbon emissons. Yet in the long run, electric mobility might provide a sustainable technology pathway, particularly if there is an additional expansion of renewable energy. Nonetheless, integrating electric vehicles in a sustainable overall mobility concept is required.