According to exclusive information shared by Reuters, the European Union is reviewing its copy on the ban on thermal cars. Their sale will finally be authorized after 2035, provided that they use synthetic fuels exclusively.
Tensions between Germany and the European Union on the end of thermal cars in 2035 about to subside? In any case, the European Commission is doing everything it can to bring Berlin back to the negotiating table.
As a reminder, while the text of the law was going to be definitively adopted at the beginning of March, Germany created a surprise by depositing its veto… De facto suspending its participation in the vote. Our neighbors across the Rhine will only review their position on one condition: integrate additional commitments in favor of synthetic fuels.
The German volte-face inspired other countries to question their support for the text, in particular Italy, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. To put an end to the haemorrhage, the European Commission finally bowed to Berlin’s demands.
Europe proposes a first version of the text favorable to synthetic fuels
On March 14, the institution promised to submit to the vote an amended version of the law, which will include in particular adjustments relating to e-fuel. And quite rightly, a first draft has already been proposed by the Commission.
As our colleagues from Reuters point out, this new version includes an authorization for sales of thermal cars after 2035, on one condition: that they only use synthetic fuels. This rewriting of the project suggests in particular the creation of a new category of vehicles in the European classification, dedicated to cars running only on e-fuel.
In fact, this proposal includes several things:
- Car manufacturers will have to develop heat engines capable of distinguishing between fossil and synthetic fuels
- These engines will have to prevent the use of fossil fuels
- E-fuel production must increase drastically to cover future needs
Not enough for Germany yet
For the time being, these counterparties are far from satisfying Germany. However, German Transport Minister Volker Wissing did not immediately discard the proposal. On the contrary, it is a good start in his eyes. Further improvements still need to be made to the text according to himand he is hopeful of reaching a final agreement before the EU summit on Thursday.
“We’re interested in a quick clarification, but it needs to be strong and binding. We are looking into the matter carefully,” said a ministry spokesperson. “Discussions are continuing between the Commission and the German authorities”, said the Commission.
Source: Reuters