EU plans to stop selling ICE cars this continues even as more and more obvious cracks begin to form. The position taken by Germany, interested in the introduction of a derogation for the use of e-fuel even after 2035 revived attention on the subject. At the moment, behind the scenes of the European Parliament, negotiations are said to be underway between the various forces present to find a compromise likely to satisfy everyone, at least in part. Italy has also come out against stopping the sale of ICE cars and could play its part in defining an alternative plan to the one recently approved by the European Parliament. On the horizon, indeed, there would be a new plan to allow the sale of ICE cars able to run on e-fuels. The news was published by Reuters and, at the moment, he still does not find official confirmation.

EU THINKS OF EXEMPTION TO STOP ICE CARS: OK TO COME E-FUEL?

As Reuters revealed today, the European Commission is reportedly working on a new plan for the the future of ICE cars. This plan would have already been defined in a first draft, not yet officially public, created with the aim of satisfying Germany in particular, which has openly come out in favor of e-fuels. According to the project, which Reuters got their hands on, the EU intends to create a new class of passenger cars for the future. These cars should continue to use heat engines but they will work exclusively using e-fuel, synthetic fuels designed to reduce environmental impact to zero. The plan includes an obligation for manufacturers to develop technology capable of preventing operation with gasoline, diesel and other “traditional” fossil fuels. In this way, the EU could offer an alternative path to manufacturers who, for the moment, will only be able to see electric cars from 2035.

EVEN THE NEW ELECTRIC FUEL PLAN MAY BE REJECTED BY GERMANY

Germany’s stance on banning ICE cars in the EU is anything but soft. The position taken by the German government was clear (although it came late in relation to the development of the European plan to stop the sale of petrol and diesel). Indeed, according to Reuters, German Transport Minister Volker Wissing would have already rejected the EU projectsubmit counter-proposals. Everything revolves around the a technology that would block the use of traditional fuels. The development of a technology of this type is problematic because it would force manufacturers to develop a new generation of engines, with related costs and with the uncertainty of being able to exploit the investments over a long period. At the moment, in any case, there are still no official statements from the various parties involved. However, the Reuters investigation confirms that stopping the sale of ICE cars is not yet a closed game. Already in the coming weeks, the cards on the table could change again.

ITALY’S POSITION: SUPPORTING THE ELECTRIC FUEL CHAIN ​​FOR THE FUTURE

To clarify, without too many words, the Italy’s position on banning ICE cars in the EU was the Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, Gilbert Pichetto. Indeed, during an interview given during FORUMAutoMotive, the minister specified Italy’s support for the German project. The goal, according to Pichetto, is to “complement electric technology with alternatives such as hydrogen and biofuels“. According to the vision of the Italian government, technological neutrality remains central, which should guide the evolution of the four-wheeler market in the near future. This position was also reaffirmed by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Galeazzo Bignami. The representative of the executive, who was speaking at FORUMAutomotivepointed out that Italy’s objective, for the time being, is to introduce exceptions to EU legislation regarding the stopping of ICE cars.

ELECTRIC FUEL MAY NOT ENOUGH FOR EU’S FUTURE

THE e-fuel are considered today asfirst alternative to full electrification on the market of four wheels in Europe. On the subject, however, there are several aspects to clarify. A recent T&E study, in fact, highlighted how e-fuels may not be enough to meet the energy needs of the automotive market. These data confirm the importance of diversify technology, to avoid investing all available resources in a single option, which could slow down the development of the market. In addition, the actual impact on emissions that alternative fuels may have by replacing traditional fuels must also be assessed.