Emissions EU Commission Overturns the Emissions Targets for Passenger Cars

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Even after the year 2035, new cars with combustion engine technology could be approved. The EU Commission aims to reconcile climate targets with the visions of car manufacturers.

In the EU, the European Commission intends to allow new registrations of cars with internal combustion engines even after 2035. The Brussels executive is proposing a corresponding amendment to the emission regulations for passenger vehicles. Originally, negotiators from EU member states and the European Parliament had agreed about three years ago that new cars would no longer emit CO₂ starting in 2035.

This 100-percent reduction target is now being abandoned. In the future, exceptions will allow up to a 90-percent reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to the baseline year 2021. The prerequisite is that CO₂ emissions are offset through the use of environmentally friendly steel and more climate-friendly fuels. According to the Commission, these exceptions are intended to apply to all cars that manufacturers want to bring to market after 2035.

Now the European Parliament and the EU member states must address the proposals. They will evaluate the reform and can make changes. Both institutions, therefore, still have the option to weaken or tighten the initiative. In the end, a sufficient majority is required in both institutions. How long this will take is still unclear.

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Biofuels And E-Fuels

In the future, emissions are to be offset through biofuels and e-fuels. Currently, biofuels are already blended in varying amounts (up to 5% or 10% in gasoline; up to 7% in diesel). By increasing blending quotas, such as with biofuels made from organic waste, CO₂ emissions from existing traffic can be reduced. There is not expected to be a special role for cars that can exclusively run on climate-friendly e-fuels.

Company And Business Cars Are to Become More Environmentally Friendly

The EU Commission will set requirements for the share of climate-friendly vehicles in service and company car fleets, depending on the member state. According to the plans, this will apply to companies with more than 250 employees and more than $55 million in revenue. The Commission emphasizes that a major advantage is that these vehicles will enter the used car market much more quickly, making them accessible to regular consumers.

Super Credits Are Intended to Promote Small Electric Cars

Automakers will be able to benefit from so-called super credits if they manufacture small, affordable electric cars within the EU. "This will create incentives for the launch of more small electric vehicle models," the Commission stated. The Brussels authority specified a size limit of up to 14 feet in length. Additional incentives to encourage the purchase of such vehicles can be developed by EU member states and local authorities.

The approach of the head of the EPP group, Manfred Weber (CSU), has met with criticism. At the end of the week, he had already anticipated the outcome of the Commission's proposals in an interview. The chairwoman of the liberal Renew group, Valérie Hayer, said it was unacceptable for Weber to declare a victory through the press, even though the decision had not yet been finalized.