The European elections have brought the issue of the combustion ban back into focus. Experts from various fields were asked by FOCUS online what they think about maintaining or lifting the planned ban in 2035. The experts' opinions are divided and it seems that the discussion about the future of vehicle propulsion is far from over.
Some experts, such as Prof. Dr. Christian Beidl from TU Darmstadt, consider the ban on combustion engines to be symbolic policy that has been pushed through against the advice of science. They emphasize the need for renewable fuels for a sustainable energy system and argue that the ban is anti-innovation and ultimately detrimental to climate protection.
On the other side are experts such as Prof. Dr. Claudia Kemfert from DIW, who emphasize how important it is to reduce emissions in the transport sector as quickly as possible in order to achieve the Paris climate targets. The ban by 2035 is necessary to reduce emissions and promote the transition to electromobility.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Koch from KIT Karlsruhe, on the other hand, described the ban on combustion engines as the most illogical and environmentally damaging project in the EU. He advocates the further development of economical hybrid drives and efficient fuels for combustion engines as an alternative to pure electromobility.
The opinions of the experts show that there is no uniform answer to the question of a ban on combustion engines. While some argue in favor of retaining them, others are vehemently opposed. It is clear that the future of the automotive drive is still the subject of controversial debate both in the EU and in the automotive industry.
It remains to be seen how the political decision-makers in Brussels will position themselves on the ban on combustion engines. The discussion about the future of the automotive drive is complex and requires careful consideration of the different interests and points of view. Ultimately, the decision on whether to maintain or lift the ban will have far-reaching consequences for the future of mobility in Europe.