Europe proposes new category of synthetic fuel vehicles

The debate around the ban on the sale of cars with internal combustion engines continues to heat up the situation in Europe. The European Commission has proposed to Germany to create a new category of internal combustion vehicles running on synthetic fuels.

In mid-February, Europe banned the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles from 2035. Although the rules had been discussed for a long time, an unexpected obstacle appeared along the way: Germany. The country, currently led by Olaf Scholz, believes that the internal combustion engine still has a chance in the face of environmental protection policies. All, of course, thanks to synthetic fuel.

Obviously, against itself as a benchmark country of the automotive industry, the European Commission very cautiously proposed the introduction of a new category of internal combustion vehicles.

In addition, the idea would be to avoid the dissatisfaction of all the countries involved, since the Brussels proposal does not require a change in the regulation, which was vetoed by Germany.

When creating a new category of cars running on synthetic fuels, the ban will not apply to them - only to those running on gasoline and diesel fuel.

Germany does not accept this offer yet

While the European Commission has shown little flexibility in this regard, they have made it clear to Germany that the only way to keep the internal combustion engine alive is with synthetic fuels.

It should be noted that although this proposal has already been in the hands of the Teutonic authorities since last week, it has not yet been accepted. At the same time, there was no clear consensus within the German government on what it intends to achieve from the European Commission. While the Ministry of the Environment is ready to accept the proposal for synthetic fuels, the liberal faction is looking for other solutions.

Another interesting point is that the European Commission manages this quite carefully. Of course, they don't want to create a scandal or make other countries in the bloc, those who are fully committed to electric mobility, feel betrayed.

France urges Germany to stop obstructing deal

Just today, on the eve of a meeting to be held by the leaders of France and Germany, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna called on the Teutons to stop obstructing an agreement that had already been struck.

“We reached an agreement saying that by 2035 there will be no vehicles running on thermal fuels. I think that we should stick to what we agreed on, and I have no doubt that the Germans will reach an agreement within their coalition."

Some automakers, which have already shifted their strategy towards electrification, also disapprove of Germany's move.

“Now is not the time to back down and block science-based climate targets for our industry. Now is not the time to put national political interests ahead of the health and well-being of our planet, EU citizens and, in fact, future generations. Now is the time for strong, determined and far-sighted policy and leadership,” said Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo.

Germany's goal is for the situation to be resolved just before the aforementioned summit. However, the fact that they cannot even streamline their claims domestically makes it doubtful that an agreement will be reached soon that will satisfy all parties.