Europe Reverses Decision, No Longer Banning Combustion Engines
In a recent shift, the European Union (EU) has reversed its decision regarding the ban on combustion engines planned for 2035. This change comes amid considerable pressure from automakers seeking to delay or modify the prohibition on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Reasons Behind the Reversal
Car manufacturers have expressed valid concerns over the EU’s previous stance. Key issues include:
- Underdeveloped charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs)
- High costs associated with producing EVs
- The potential loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs in the automotive sector
These factors played a significant role in prompting lawmakers to reconsider the ban. Initially, the deadline for phasing out combustion engines remained firm. Recent developments, however, indicate that the EU is now amenable to discussing alternatives.
Political Influences
A pivotal moment came when German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sent a letter to Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. This correspondence reportedly swayed the Commission’s position. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, confirmed that combustion engines will remain in use beyond 2035 but will be restricted to low-emission vehicles powered by renewable fuels, such as synthetic and biofuels.
Renewable Fuels in Focus
One notable example of these renewable fuels is HVO100, produced from hydrotreated vegetable oil. BMW is already using HVO100 in its diesel vehicles in Germany, which can cut emissions by up to 90% compared with standard diesel.
Additionally, Porsche has been developing synthetic fuel since late 2022 at its facility in Chile. This eFuel is manufactured using renewable energy sources and aims to be nearly carbon-neutral.
Future of Combustion Engines Post-2035
The EU is expected to announce further details regarding this policy shift later in the month. Specifically, questions remain about the fate of plug-in hybrids and range-extender vehicles. Vehicles running solely on fossil fuels may face stricter regulations.
Impact on the Automotive Market
While the ban on new ICE vehicle sales is being reconsidered, existing cars will still be permitted to use regular gasoline or diesel. The market for EVs continues to expand across Europe, with sales data indicating:
- 18.3% of total car sales were non-combustion vehicles in 2023
- Hybrids dominated the market with a 34.7% share
- Plug-in hybrids accounted for 9.4% of sales, surpassing diesel for the first time
Looking Ahead
The EU’s latest decision aims to create an “economically viable and socially fair” path towards sustainable driving solutions. While many automakers are pushing for flexibility, some companies, including Volvo and Polestar, maintain that the original 2035 ban should be enforced. The ongoing discussions will shape the future of the automotive industry in Europe.
