Germany, EU settle deal in combustion engines cars
Frans Timmermans, EU Commission Vice-President tweeted on Saturday “we have found an agreement with Germany on the future use of e-fuels in cars.”
The agreement that EU has reached with Germany allows registering new vehicles with combustion engines even after 2035, according to Associated Press.
The only required condition is for these vehicles to only use climate-neutral fuel.
An earlier EU proposal had included banning the sale of all new cars with combustion engines starting from 2035.
This proposal has been opposed by Christian Democratic Union Bloc, citing concerns of harming the country’s valued auto industry.
The opposition party was joined by the Free Democratic Party (FDP) in welcoming the new agreement with the EU.
Germany demanded exempting e-fuels cars arguing they are carbon neutral. Germany’s Environment Minister, Steffi Lemke also highlighted the significant role E-fuels shall play in energy transformation towards efficient electric motors.
On the other hand, the environmental group Greenpeace commented saying “This lazy compromise undermines climate protection in transport, and it harms Europe.” The group also called the agreement “a step backwards for the climate.” The Green party has been in favour of a complete ban on combustion engines.
We have found an agreement with Germany on the future use of efuels in cars.
We will work now on getting the CO2-standards for cars regulation adopted as soon as possible, and the Commission will follow-up swiftly with the necessary legal steps to implement recital 11.
— Frans Timmermans (@TimmermansEU) March 25, 2023
