Germany Shifts Gear in Europe’s Car Regulations

Germany joins several automakers in appealing to the European Commission to delay the internal combustion engine (ICE) ban in the EU. Chancellor Friedrich Merz personally sent the appeal on Friday. Merz addressed a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urging that technological options remain available for automakers to manufacture and sell new vehicles with ICEs beyond 2035. Recall, a few years ago, the EU passed a law prohibiting this. Merz emphasizes allowing the sale of not only ICE-only cars but hybrids of various types, suggesting a relaxation of the current law.

I will ask the commission, even post-2035, to continue allowing the operation of electric vehicles with internal combustion engines. It is far more sensible and pragmatic to invest more effort and resources into developing efficient hybrid systems that combine the best qualities of internal combustion engines, on one side, and electric vehicles, on the other.

Last Wednesday, European Commission Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné stated that the EU is ready to show flexibility on this issue and propose a gradual phase-out of ICEs. The European Commission plans to make a statement on this by December 10.

This move by Germany reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry to adapt regulations to accommodate advancements in hybrid vehicle technology. By potentially allowing hybrids to operate beyond the anticipated ban, Germany and the EU might pave the way for more comprehensive automotive innovations.