Limit values: Still little chance for eFuels
IT'S GETTING CLOSE In a trilogue process, the EU Commission, the EU Parliament and the EU Council of Ministers have decided to ban the registration of new passenger cars that emit even one gram of CO2 during operation from 2035.
Synthetic fuels, which could be used to operate not only new cars but virtually the entire existing fleet in a CO2-neutral manner, are not counted toward the limits. This removes the incentive for consumers and industry to develop eFuels in order to massively reduce CO2 emissions in this way in the near future.
Another review is scheduled for 2026
However, the decision is not entirely clear-cut. Another review is scheduled for 2026, during which the actual emissions will be examined and synthetic fuels will also be re-evaluated. This could also include a discussion of the emissions that occur not only during the production and disposal of electric cars, but also during the relatively short service life of e-mobiles. After all, the production of the electricity to power them generates high CO2 emissions in many European countries.
Decision is setback for climate protection
Criticism of the current decision is already pouring in. Brussels has "missed a great opportunity to shape the future of individual mobility in a way that is open to all technologies," says Jürgen Karpinski, President of the German Association of Motor Trades and Repairs (ZDK). Uniti, the association representing the interests of medium-sized oil companies, even speaks of a setback for climate protection.
The German Association of the Automotive Industry laconically states that ambitious targets have been set without creating the necessary conditions. In this context, the VDA points to the inadequate charging infrastructure, the threat of geopolitical dependencies and deficits in renewable energies.
Association President Hildegard Müller: "In order to actually realize diversification and resilience, a technology-open approach must be ensured. This would include synthetic fuels."
Tougher values for consumption and emissions
Even before 2035, the limits for consumption and emissions will be significantly tightened again. Plug-in hybrids, whose real-world consumption is regularly much worse than the standard values, will be the main beneficiaries. Economical and affordable gasoline and diesel engines without hybridization are likely to be subject to penalties.
While Europe continues to aggressively pursue the ban on conventional drive systems, China has abandoned its strict commitment to e-mobility; there, politicians and industry are now also once again focusing on new, clean combustion engines. And in North America, the debate about President Joe Biden's high electric quotas has reached the election campaign stage.
Source: Car-Medienportal.net
ec.europa.eu
