European people's party challenges combustion engine ban
The European People's Party is acting against the combustion engine ban. Although the initial analysis of the controversial ban was set to take place in 2026, work is starting now.
The party that garnered the most votes in the parliamentary elections is working on easing the ban on the sale of vehicles that emit carbon dioxide. This ban, in practice, means combustion vehicles. Although the party's plans, reported by Reuters, are pretty comprehensive, one point stands out. It involves "revising the ban on combustion engines and developing cutting-edge combustion engine technology."
Initially, such an assessment of the regulations was scheduled for 2026. However, signals from the new car market must have raised concerns. While Mercedes was preparing to sell only electric vehicles by 2030 (but only where the market allows), current forecasts have been reduced to 50% – and even then, these include electrified vehicles, such as hybrids.
Moreover, the German brand is investing significantly more in combustion engines than initially planned. This ensures that vehicles using liquid fuels hold up in the next decade. Due to an uncertain future and changing regulations, the brand Ineos is cautiously approaching the launch of the electric Fusilier model. Japanese manufacturers have announced work on a new generation of combustion engines.
The shape of the changes being worked on by the European People's Party is not yet known. Reuters mentions in the priorities "revising the rules for CO2 reduction for new cars and vans to allow for the use of alternative zero-emission fuels beyond 2035".
In the original plan, almost at the last minute, Germany won a loophole: combustion vehicles can be sold if e-fuels power them. In simplified terms, this is synthetic petrol made from carbon dioxide "captured" from the atmosphere. Then, what exits the exhaust pipe is to be captured and reused, creating a closed loop.
Although the idea is not new, e-fuels are currently used in some motorsports. The reason is straightforward: they are about 50% more expensive. However, it is known that the effect of scale could reduce this disparity. Porsche has invested in their production, and the benefits have also been highlighted by Japanese manufacturers who are cautious about electric vehicles.
Nothing has yet been decided: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (who belongs to the party) will fight for a second term in the autumn. She needs the votes of groups opposed to loosening carbon dioxide policies.
