Climate-friendly transport
Spain and France for extensive ban on combustion engines
Billions for electric cars, clear edge against major exceptions: France and Spain are putting pressure on the combustion engine phase-out. But there could be a small back door.
France and Spain are in favor of the planned phase-out of combustion engines from 2035 onwards. In a joint paper, both countries warn against weakening this goal. The EU decision should not be questioned. “The future of the European automotive industry will be electric,” says the paper, which is available to the German Press Agency.
After pressure from the automotive industry, the Commission announced that it would review the relevant regulation this year. Paris and Madrid emphasize that billions of euros have been invested in the electrification of the European car industry since 2023. This strategic decision must endure.
France and Spain hoped that the upcoming review would maintain the 2035 cap and environmental ambitions for CO2 emissions, the paper said. In particular, the revision should in no way call into question the zero emissions target for 2035.
France and Spain also want easing
However, France and Spain are also in favor of easing restrictions. These should be strictly linked to production efforts in Europe. So-called super credits are proposed for vehicles with a high European share of added value.
This is intended to save additional CO2 emissions. It was initially unclear whether the sale of new combustion engines would also be possible after 2035 – for example by taking into account additional emissions saved.
Both countries also reject preferential treatment for plug-in hybrid vehicles after 2035. In 2024, the EU Commission demonstrated that their actual emissions were 3.5 times higher than those measured in approval tests.
dpa
Source: Stern
