EU’s 2035 ICE Car Ban Faces Uncertainty Amid Industry Pushback
The European Union’s ambitious plan to prohibit the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars by 2035 is facing delays. According to a report from German newspaper Bild, the proposal may be postponed to 2040. The change comes amid discussions about more flexible emission reduction strategies.
Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament, communicated to Bild that the 2035 plan is “off the table.” Instead, a new framework calling for a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2035 will be implemented. “For new registrations from 2035 onwards, a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions will now be mandatory for car manufacturers’ fleet targets, instead of 100%,” Weber explained.
The adjustment, according to Weber, aims at preserving “tens of thousands of industrial jobs.” Key automotive manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, the Stellantis Group, and Renault have expressed support for the delay, reasoning that consumer demand should drive the shift rather than legislative mandates.
The initial legislation, signed in 2021, sought to eliminate new ICE vehicle sales by 2035, effectively mandating a transition to electric vehicles (EVs). However, automotive giants argue that such a deadline is impractical, citing insufficient consumer demand for EVs.
Recent strategic shifts by companies like Porsche and Ford highlight this sentiment. Porsche, for instance, reversed its decision to produce only electric versions of its Macan and Cayenne models, choosing instead to continue offering traditional and hybrid variants.
As the UK, once a pioneer in proposing a similar ICE vehicle sales ban, evaluates its stance post-Brexit, the future of ICE vehicles remains a hot topic in automotive circles.
Analysis: The Inevitable Shift to Electric Vehicles
Despite a potential delay in the timeline, the push towards reducing CO2 emissions by 90% by 2035 remains a formidable challenge for car manufacturers. This shift may accelerate the adoption of plug-in hybrids and range-extending hybrids, which can help in complying with the new emissions targets.
Additionally, there could be an increased focus on biofuels and e-fuels, which are considered carbon-neutral when produced using captured CO2 and renewable energy. The relaxation in policy gives auto manufacturers additional time to transition to electric propulsion, while continuing to develop hybrids that balance efficiency and consumer demand.
Over the next decade and a half, the trend towards electric vehicles is expected to persist as manufacturers work to meet the eventual goal of a 100% reduction in CO2 emissions. New entrants in the EV space, especially those from China, might gain a competitive edge by offering cost-effective and efficient electric vehicles.
Original Story at www.techradar.com