In Brussels there has been talk for some time of an alliance for the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines. This should come into force in 2035, Germany now seems to put an end to it. The government cannot agree internally on such a ban. The FDP is diametrically opposed to coalition partners SPD and Die Grünen (the Greens). Incidentally, Italy also sees little in the way of such a ban.
“It’s a big kick in the other government partners’ sore leg.”
Synthetic fuel
“The FDP is a junior partner in government, but it’s the Liberal Party that absolutely does not want the fossil car to go away by 2035,” says Marseille. “The party sees opportunities in so-called synthetic fuels, but it’s a serious kick in the sore leg of other government partners.”
Synthetic fuels, also known as e-fuels, are fuels based on hydrogen and carbon dioxide (CO2). They are an alternative to diesel or petrol, but are chemically almost identical. A regular diesel or petrol car could also run on e-fuel. In theory, this would mean that the European car fleet does not have to be completely replaced by electric cars to meet climate goals. However, it is not yet possible to produce e-fuels in a completely climate-neutral way. The German automaker Porsche is investing heavily in this technology.
No stop sign
However, the great uncertainty surrounding the technology is not a stop sign for the FDP. “Now 2 billion euros are being invested in research into synthetic fuels in passenger cars,” says Marseille. ‘Many German experts are already saying that there is not enough synthetic fuel in aviation or shipping, let alone cars. But still, the FDP sticks to it.’
Infectious point of view
Furthermore, the German position in Brussels seems to be contagious. Other EU Member States are also starting to doubt the feasibility of the proposal. Countries like Italy and Poland, for example, are now wondering whether there will be enough batteries available once combustion vehicles can no longer be sold.
“Brussels can’t go full throttle through Germany just yet,” jokes Marseille. The FDP is simply against it. The party claims that half of Germans do not even believe in the imminent end of fossil cars.