The German finance minister has opposed a total ban on thermal energy in Europe by 2035.
At the beginning of June, the European Parliament voted to end the sale of new cars with thermal engines from 2035. The proposal by right-wing MEPs to reduce emissions by 90% by that date, which therefore left little room for hybridization, was not retained. But the game is far from won for all-electric supporters. The measure must now be validated by all 27 member countries.
And dissonant voices begin to be heard, and not the least. Thus, the German Finance Minister, Christian Lindner, hinted that his country would not agree to a total ban on thermal energy in 2035. During an exchange with the “BDI” association, which represents more than 100 000 companies across the Rhine, he indicated that it was not a good idea, that there was still room for thermal. He notably defended synthetic fuels.
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The statement is surely intended to reassure the powerful German automotive industry, particularly the equipment manufacturers, who are worried about the consequences of such a rapid switch to all-electric. There is of course a similar feeling in France. At home, “The Automobile Platform”, which represents the tricolor auto industry, estimates that up to 100,000 jobs could be destroyed in France.
Above all, Emmanuel Macron and Bruno Le Maire had shown themselves in favor of a reprieve for the hybrid. Luca de Meo, general manager of Renault, also hoped to allow a smoother transition to Dacia. All-electric in 2035, so it’s not yet won!
