From 2035, no new petrol or diesel cars may be sold in the EU. EU states finally decided on Tuesday to largely end new cars with internal combustion engines, after the decision was blocked by Germany for weeks. The federal government has insisted that it must also be possible after 2035 to register internal combustion vehicles that run exclusively on climate-friendly synthetic fuels.
In fact, negotiators from the EU countries and the European Parliament had already reached agreement on the project at the end of October. However, in an unusual procedure, the federal government made additional demands and thus delayed the confirmation of the negotiation result by several weeks. The FDP in particular has campaigned for so-called e-fuels.
E-fuels can be produced with renewable electricity from water and carbon dioxide from the air. Unlike petrol or diesel, they do not emit any extra climate-damaging gases. Critics complain, among other things, that they are more urgently needed in shipping and aviation.
Compromise on the use of e-fuels
“The way is clear for 100 percent emission-free mobility,” said Austrian Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler on Tuesday before a meeting of EU ministers responsible for energy. She is happy that the blockage has been resolved. “I regret that it took a loophole to bring in procrastinators.” The federal government reached an agreement with the European Commission on Friday evening on the compromise on the use of e-fuels.
However, whether a relevant number of internal combustion engines will be approved after 2035 is completely open. Automotive expert Ferdinand Dudenhöffer cites the fuel’s high production costs and “uncanny energy balance” as arguments against such drives – an extremely large amount of electricity is consumed during production. The industry has yet to build such cars.
There are also remaining doubts whether the e-fuel exemptions can be implemented as agreed by the European Commission and Germany. Electric fuel cars will also be included in EU legislation by means of a so-called delegated act. It is issued by the EU Commission, but the EU Parliament and EU states have two months to object.
The SPD MP and professor of European law, René Repasi, has already wondered on Twitter whether the project can be carried out as planned. Green politicians from the European Parliament have also indicated that they want to take a good look at the compromise. (sda/awp/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
