Europe's internal combustion engine ban faces uncertain future

The party that garnered the most votes in the parliamentary elections is working on easing the ban on the sale of vehicles emitting carbon dioxide, effectively internal combustion vehicles. While the party's plans, as reported by Reuters, are quite broad, one point stands out definitively. It concerns "revising the ban on combustion engines and developing cutting-edge combustion engine technology."

Initially, these regulations were supposed to be evaluated in 2026, but signals from the new car market have raised concerns. While Mercedes was preparing to sell only electric vehicles by 2030 (but only where the market allows it), current forecasts have been reduced to 50%—and that's still electrified cars, such as hybrids.

Moreover, the German brand is investing significantly more in internal combustion engines than initially planned. This ensures that vehicles using liquid fuels hold up in the next decade. Due to the uncertain future and changing regulations, the Ineos brand is cautiously approaching the launch of the electric Fusilier model. On the other hand, Japanese manufacturers have announced work on a new generation of internal combustion engines.

The changes the European People's Party is working on are not yet known. Reuters lists among the priorities "revising the rules for CO2 reduction for new cars and vans to allow for the use of alternative zero-emission fuels beyond 2035."

In the original plan, Germany secured a last-minute loophole: internal combustion cars can be sold if e-fuels power them. In simple terms, this is synthetic gasoline made from carbon dioxide "captured" from the atmosphere. In this way, what leaves the exhaust pipe is supposed to be captured and reused, creating a closed-loop system.

Although the idea is not new, e-fuels are currently used in some motorsports. The reason is simple: they are about 50% more expensive. However, it is known that the effect of scale would allow for reducing this cost difference. For example, Porsche has invested in their production, and the benefits have also been highlighted by Japanese manufacturers who approach electric vehicles cautiously.

Nothing is certain yet: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (who belongs to the party) will be fighting for a second term in the fall. She needs the votes of groups opposed to loosening carbon dioxide policies.