European Lawmakers Fighting To Secure An ICE Future

One of Europe’s largest lawmaker groups is lobbying for the use of alternative and synthetic fuels, revising the EU’s planned 2035 new car emissions ban, reports Reuters. According to a draft document, the European People’s Party (EPP) wants the rules amended to reflect the explicit use of alternative fuels beyond 2035.

An excerpt from the document shows that the EPP wants the EU to revise “rules for CO2 reduction for new cars and vans to allow for the use of alternative zero-emission fuels beyond 2035.” While the European Union has made allowances for the use of synthetic fuels, these were specifically worded as being temporary measures and not long-term solutions. But the draft document notes that the EPP wants the EU to “revise the ban on combustion engines and develop cutting-edge combustion engine technology.”

The Future Of The Combustion Engine Could Be Safe

Initially, the EU policy stipulated that any vehicle emitting CO2 emissions would be banned by 2035. This was effectively a death warrant for the internal combustion engine and would have killed off diesel and gasoline vehicles in Europe for good. Last year, the German government (along with several other European states) insisted that an exemption be added for synthetic fuels. They’re reasons for this insistence were myriad, but some of the most valid reasons were:

• Not all EU countries are as developed and in the position to be able to support EVs.
• Auto manufacturing is a key industry in Italy, Germany, and other European countries, and combustion specifically supports a plethora of adjacent industries.
• Many performance cars are luxury goods, not commuter appliances, and their impact on the environment is extremely limited.
• Synthetic fuels are carbon neutral and do not contribute to the emissions cycle.

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It remains to be seen whether the EPP will be able to influence the EU, but things are looking promising. The group has significant influence, winning the largest share in the recent European Parliament elections, with 188 of the 720 lawmakers. The topic will be discussed at an EU meeting in Portugal this week.

Automakers Are Hard At Work To Make Synthetic Fuel A Reality

Several automakers are working on alternative fuels, including Toyota, which has been trialing hydrogen-powered combustion engines in motorsport. The Japanese automaker has created a hydrogen-powered concept based on the Corolla Cross. It functions like a conventional combustion-engined car but is more practical than an electric vehicle when it comes to refueling. It’s worth noting that the Japanese marque has teamed up with Mazda and Subaru to develop efficient carbon-neutral engines.

Related

Bugatti, Koenigsegg, And Pagani Will Be Exempt From EU’s 2035 CO2 Ban

Small carmakers producing under 1,000 vehicles per year are breathing a sigh of relief.

While all three brands share the same goal, they will achieve it differently. Mazda, for example, thinks rotary engines are the solution. Engineered to run on e-fuels and with electrification, these power plants could produce little to no emissions.

Porsche is leading the field when it comes to synthetic fuel development. The automaker is already trialing e-fuels, showcasing how the fuel would work in the real world. Recently, a 911 powered by synthetic fuel reached the peak of a Chilean volcano, setting a record in the process. Last year, the CEO also demonstrated its capability by drifting a Porsche 911 powered by synthetic fuel. With any luck, the EPP will use its influence to keep the combustion engine alive, making scores of gearheads happy in the process.

Source:
Reuters