The European Union is planning to implement a requirement that e-fuel cars be 100% carbon neutral in order to be sold after 2035. This is according to a leaked draft document shared to the media.
This comes after Germany sought an exemption for e-fuel cars from the phase-out of new polluting vehicles. The EU’s main climate policy for cars mandates that all new cars sold from 2035 must have zero CO2 emissions.
However, in response to Germany’s request, the EU Commission is developing a legal pathway to allow the sale of new cars that solely run on e-fuels. The draft proposal outlines strict conditions for e-fuel cars, stipulating that they must use fully CO2 neutral fuels.
E-fuels are considered carbon neutral when they are produced using captured CO2 emissions that offset the CO2 emissions released during combustion in an engine. The draft rules proposed by the EU would be stricter than the low-carbon fuel rules in other EU climate policies. Currently, certain fuels can be used to meet EU renewable energy targets if they achieve a 70% emissions reduction, whereas the draft rules require a 100% reduction.
Both the European Commission and Germany’s transport ministry have not yet issued any official comments regarding the draft proposal.
BMW, a prominent automaker, expressed its support for climate-neutral fuels. They are committed to reducing CO2 emissions from the existing fleet of vehicles. BMW stated that all of its engines are already approved for e-fuels as long as they meet the current fuel standard.
The eFuel Alliance
An industry group, voiced concerns about the draft proposal, arguing that it would essentially ban new combustion engines by 2035 if emissions throughout the fuel production process were taken into account. The managing director of the group, Ralf Diemer, highlighted the near-impossibility of achieving a 100% reduction in emissions.
The draft rules are designed to provide a legal framework for manufacturers to register a new type of vehicle. A combustion engine that exclusively runs on carbon neutral fuels.
According to the draft, these cars must be prevented from starting if it is fueled with standard petrol.
However, the specifics of these rules may change before they are officially published later this year.
The document suggests automakers will need to implement technologies to ensure compliance with these rules. Additionally, measures must be created to prevent tampering with these technologies.
Conclusion:
The European Union is proposing stringent requirements for e-fuel cars.
Mandating they utilize fully CO2 neutral fuels to be sold beyond 2035.
The draft rules could potentially impact the future of combustion engines.
Advancement of carbon neutral transportation in Europe will depend on these rules.