The future of cars as we know them today is being decided in the European Parliament

Of Thanks to Floudopoulos

An extremely crucial vote on the future of cars as we know it today will take place next week in plenary of the European Parliament.

The reason for the regulation of CO2 emissions from vehicles under the FitFor 55 package that will be voted on June 7 and will decide the future of vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICEs), and the possible abolition of their new sales by 2035, in accordance with the Commission proposal.

It is worth noting that a significant portion of the European Parliament has supported the view that the contribution of renewables and low-carbon fuels to reducing CO2 emissions from vehicles should be recognized through the adoption of a voluntary exchange mechanism between automotive and fuel suppliers.

The adoption of such a mechanism would allow the sale of vehicles with internal combustion engines after 2035, provided that these cars will use low carbon footprint liquid fuels and not fossil fuels.

This proposal “gives space” to renewable fuels to play their role in reducing emissions in the total of 240 million vehicles on the roads of Europe, as of today.

In fact, in an open letter sent to the members of the European Parliament by more than 100 bodies and fuel companies, it is underlined that the industry supports the political ambition and looks forward to provoking the transition, especially in the field of mobility.

However, in order to achieve the goals and not to lose support in the long run, the importance of the mix of technologies that can achieve the goal of reducing CO2 emissions without ignoring the reality for consumers and the needs of industry must be realized. .

The letter expresses concern as the Commission ‘s proposals do not strike the necessary balance. In the context of achieving the emission reduction targets, the letter emphasizes that the focus should be on the carbonization of the electricity and fuel supply and not on banning or promoting one technology over another.

The proposal supported by the letter concerns the alternative strategy of the voluntary credit exchange mechanism, which focuses on the elimination of the use of fossil fuels from transport in 2035, and not the vehicles themselves, which will have multiple benefits for society and the economy.

The adoption of a voluntary credit exchange mechanism between the automotive industry and fuel suppliers is, according to the companies, a fully developed and practical solution ready for implementation.

The letter calls on European legislators (European Parliament & Council of the EU) to recognize the contribution of renewable fuels and low carbon fuels to reducing CO2 emissions from vehicles.

Finally, it is noted that the letter is signed, among others, by important European Associations (CLEPA, FuelsEurope, eFuel Alliance, EBB, ECFD, UPEI but also the Greek Association of Petroleum Companies-SEEPE), refining companies (HELLENIC, RE, ELLINIKA, MOL), together with several gas, biofuel companies, but also companies from the vehicle manufacturing sector such as SiemensEnergy, MAZDA etc.