The end of the internal combustion engine, but not in Germany
Combustion engines are supposed to be a thing of the past in the EU from 2035. But Germany is refusing to comply.
The development is being fuelled by the Russian attack on Ukraine and the associated rise in the price of oil. In fact, the price of fuel keeps climbing to new heights at the petrol stations. So everything points to a rapid transition to electromobility, as envisaged by the EU Commission by 2035. It is supported by the car manufacturer Audi, which does not want to put any more combustion engines on the market from 2033. Volkswagen has also made a clear commitment to e-mobility.
But Germany is now resisting a phase-out of the internal combustion model as early as the middle of the next decade. Transport Minister Wissing (FDP) wants to keep all options open and allow combustion engines even after the cut-off date. The prerequisite, however, is that no petrol or diesel is used, but only e-fuels that are compatible with conventional combustion engines. Wissing is of the opinion that research should be open to technology and not rely on just one fuel model. Until two months ago, he was still the sole advocate of the e-car. The reason for his change of mind is also the existing lack of e-vehicles and the necessary infrastructure.
Audi had recently announced that some of its diesel models could be fuelled with e-fuels in the future. E-fuels are fuels generated from electricity with the help of wind power or solar panels. This fuel has a high energy density and good storage and transport capabilities. Moreover, this electricity is many times safer than hydrogen, which is used for refuelling. However, it does not necessarily automatically contribute to an improvement in air quality, as combustion also releases pollutants. Soot-free combustion is only offered by so-called OME fuels, which can be used as a diesel component, but also as a fully-fledged diesel substitute.
It is right not to put all one's eggs in one basket and one type of drive, to conduct research in a technology-neutral way and not just to promote e-mobility. But only if pollutant-free fuels are actually used do we no longer need to worry that there will be driving bans somewhere.