EU Conservatives Challenge Combustion Engine Ban
The European People’s Party (EPP), recognized as the largest faction within the European Parliament, has recently pushed back against impending regulations aimed at ceasing the sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles beginning in 2035. This move comes amid significant challenges faced by the automotive sector.
Background on EU Automotive Regulations
The collective decision among the EU’s 27 member nations sought to phase out internal combustion engines entirely, part of an overarching strategy to mitigate climate change. This policy emphasizes limiting future car sales to those powered exclusively by battery electric technology.
However, this stance is now being contested more vigorously by far-right political factions in Europe. The EPP officially adopted this more critical viewpoint in a recent policy document.
A Call for Strategic Revision
“We believe that it is crucial to reconsider the proposed ban on internal combustion engines set for implementation in 2035,” stated EPP representatives. “Allowing a blend of automobile technologies could still align with our decarbonization objectives.”
The party advocates for acknowledgment from the European Commission regarding alternative fuel sources such as e-fuels, biofuels, and renewable synthetic options. In addition, they propose that hybrid models—specifically plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)—should be considered viable transitional solutions despite their inability to completely eradicate tailpipe emissions compared with fully electric vehicles.
Automotive Industry under Pressure
This appeal emerges at a time when Europe’s automotive sector has made significant strides toward electrification—a fundamental component of achieving carbon neutrality across Europe by mid-century. Nonetheless, economic pressures persist; German lawmakers from CDU—the leading faction within EPP—are expressing concern over upcoming national elections scheduled for February where questions surrounding manufacturers’ profitability will be front and center.
“Our approach needs to be both pragmatic and sustainable,” remarked Jens Gieseke, an EPP lawmaker from Germany. He emphasized their strategies aim not only at bolstering industry stability but also safeguarding approximately 14 million employment opportunities across Europe.
A Sector Facing Downward Trends
Inevitably, layoffs have been announced across numerous major automakers and suppliers operating throughout Germany and beyond—including names like Volkswagen and Ford—as well as parts suppliers like Bosch and Michelin. The car industry finds itself grappling with soaring manufacturing costs alongside a fractured transition towards electric alternatives compounded by fierce competition emanating from markets such as China.
Selling Points Lagging Behind Expectations
Electric vehicle sales have notably fallen short of earlier forecasts just as stricter carbon emission directives take effect within Europe’s regulatory framework. In light of these issues, Ursula von der Leyen—a prominent figure affiliated with EPP—has pledged commitment towards spearheading initiatives supporting struggling car manufacturers through gradual transitions into greener technologies.
The Urgency Ahead
In immediate terms, party officials urged avoidance of penalties imposed on automakers who fail due compliance with emissions standards scheduled for review in 2025—a crucial demand coming directly from industry stakeholders themselves. Luca de Meo represents auto manufacturers’ interests through his leadership role in their association warning that “addressing potential penalties before 2025 is critically necessary.”
© 2024 AFP
Citation: EU conservatives seek delay on combustion engine ban (2024). Retrieved December 11th from https://techxplore.com/news/2024-12-eu-stall-combustion.html
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