2035 ban on combustion cars in Europe could be relaxed

Cars running on synthetic fuels could be made exempt from the blanket ban on all internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles that’s due to take effect in the European Union from 2035.

News agency Reuters has reported that last month’s European Parliament elections has seen the European People’s Party (EPP) – now the biggest lawmaker group in the parliament – lay down its policy priorities for the next term, which include “revising the rules for CO2 reduction for new cars and vans to allow for the use of alternative zero-emission fuels beyond 2035”.

That could translate to a stay of execution for iconic vehicles such as the Porsche 911, with the German marque currently investing heavily in e-fuels for its sports cars.

The move should also encourage a broad range of manufacturers to continue ICE development, including the use of alternative fuels such as hydrogen and synthetic petrol and diesel.

Any changes to the current EU policy are still to be thrashed out, however the EPP is now in a strong position to push for the exemption that EU members such as Germany and Italy have been calling for.

To ensure car-makers don’t cheat the regs, it’s been suggested that ICE vehicles sold from 2035 might automatically be immobilised if they are filled with conventional petrol or diesel, ensuring the introduction of the e-fuel exemption has a meaningful impact on reducing overall CO2 emissions.

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