EU Lawmakers Push for Revision of 2035 Combustion Car Ban
Proposed Changes to EU Combustion Car Ban
- A group of EU lawmakers is advocating for a revision of the ban on combustion cars set to take effect in 2035.
- The European People’s Party is in favor of an exemption for e-fuels, according to Reuters.
- The current policy mandates the end of sales for CO2-producing cars by 2035.
Details of the Proposed Revision
Sales of petrol and diesel cars are scheduled to cease in Europe by 2035 under a policy enacted last year. However, a significant group of lawmakers is seeking to amend the law to potentially allow combustion cars to remain available.
European People’s Party’s Stance
The European People’s Party (EPP) holds a substantial number of seats in the EU parliament and aims to introduce changes to the 2035 CO2 policy by creating an exemption for e-fuels. Documents obtained by Reuters reveal the EPP’s intention to “revise the rules for CO2 reduction for new cars and vans to allow for the use of alternative zero-emission fuels beyond 2035.”
Implications and Industry Response
While the EU law prohibits the sale of CO2-producing passenger vehicles after 2035, exceptions have been made for cars running on e-fuels. Automakers like BMW and Porsche have shown interest in e-fuels, with differing perspectives on their application. Porsche aims to continue offering high-performance ICE sports cars using synthetic fuels, while BMW sees potential in decarbonizing existing vehicles rather than focusing solely on new models.
Extended Timelines and Market Trends
Several car manufacturers, including Mercedes and Porsche, have extended their timelines for ICE vehicles due to lower-than-expected demand for EVs. Mercedes, initially planning to transition to all-electric in Europe by the end of the decade, now predicts that battery-powered cars will only constitute half of its sales by 2030.
Source: Reuters
