Car industry: phase-out of combustion engines by 2030/35 hardly feasible

The associations of European car manufacturers (Acea) and suppliers (Clepa) are calling on EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to urgently correct the course of EU climate policy for the automotive industry. In an open letter to the CDU politician, they warn that the rigid CO₂ targets for cars and light commercial vehicles for 2030 and 2035 are "simply no longer feasible in today's world". Phasing out the combustion engine is no longer realistic under the current conditions.

The lobby groups cite geopolitical upheaval, stagnating demand for electric vehicles and the lack of affordable models as well as the heavy dependence on China for batteries and raw materials as the main reasons for their appeal. They see this as a threat to the competitiveness of the European car industry: China can produce electric cars much more cheaply.

Instead of relying on idealism, the EU strategy must recognize "industrial and geopolitical realities", according to the letter. There must be more flexibility. The associations advocate not focusing exclusively on battery-powered vehicles. There must also be room for other technologies such as hybrids, hydrogen and e-fuels to achieve the climate targets. In principle, it is necessary to strengthen the European supply chain for batteries and other key components, improve the range of qualifications on offer and ensure a global, competitive environment.

Car lobby has already achieved a lot

The Acea has already succeeded in giving car manufacturers more time to comply with EU climate regulations. Since June, it has been demanding a softening of the emission limits for trucks too. Manufacturers of heavy commercial vehicles must now similarly comply with the CO2 requirements for car manufacturers within the EU. Their CO₂ emissions during operation are to be reduced by 45 percent by 2030 compared to 2019, and by 65 percent by 2035. The German government had already called for exceptions. The compromise reached in 2023 provides for the creation of a new "e-fuels only" vehicle category as a first step. Cars in this category will only be allowed to burn synthetic fuels.

Manfred Weber (CSU), head of the conservative EPP group in the EU Parliament, understands the lobby's calls: according to him, the best thing would be to "give people an incentive to buy a modern car with a combustion engine and get rid of their old one". Belgian Green MEP Sara Matthieu, on the other hand, criticizes that further weakening climate targets would serve China the market for e-cars on a silver platter. Volvo in Ghent shows that investment security is sufficient.

Matthieu and colleagues from the European Green Group have also sent an urgent letter to von der Leyen. In it, they demand: The EU must invest in battery infrastructure, affordable charging options and "social leasing". Observers such as Felix Creutzig from the Mercator Institute warn that a further relaxation of CO₂ fleet limits would jeopardize the transformation and competitiveness of the automotive industry.

(mho)