Mahle Demands Immediate Reversal of EU Internal Combustion Engine Policies by EU
In the automotive industry, the debate over the future of internal-combustion engines (ICE) is heating up, with Mahle, a leading automotive supply giant, urging European regulators to reconsider the scheduled ban on ICE vehicles in 2035.
Arnd Franz, Mahle's CEO, has spoken out in favour of ICE engines operated using climate-neutral fuels, such as e-fuels and biofuels, as part of the solution to climate change. He made these remarks at Mahle's Tech Day in Stuttgart, Germany.
The call for extending support for "green" ICE technologies beyond 2035 stems from technological, market, and regulatory challenges. The current EU regulation mandates a 100% CO₂ emissions reduction for new cars by 2035, effectively banning new ICE vehicles. However, stakeholders argue that the availability, cost, and scalability of zero-emission alternatives remain uncertain.
E-fuels, synthetic fuels made using renewable energy, could potentially enable combustion engines to achieve life-cycle emissions comparable to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Yet, their future supply and cost issues pose a challenge for a full phaseout of ICEs.
Franz emphasises the importance of renewable fuels, including biofuels and synthetic fuels, in climate protection and individual mobility. Mahle's technologies enable the direct use of renewable fuels without compromises. The company is committed to developing pure electric powertrains, as well as hybrid, range-extender engines, and ICE using sustainably produced fuels.
Mahle's sustainable technologies will be showcased at IAA Mobility in Munich in September, where the company aims to reduce CO₂ and road congestion. These technologies include a range extender to boost the range of BEVs, a compact thermal management module with an integrated heat pump, and ethanol-compatible engine components.
Franz has highlighted the high decarbonization potential of renewable fuels that has yet to be fully exploited on a commercial level. He calls for a 30% increase in the use of renewable fuels in road traffic by 2030 to meet climate goals.
The European Automobile Manufacturers Assn. (ACEA) has made similar calls, urging regulators to consider the needs of consumers who cannot or do not want to switch to battery-electric vehicles.
Franz warns of the need to revise the European Union's 2035 ban on ICE vehicles due to investments in clean technologies. He emphasises the importance of technological diversity in powertrain development for rapid and effective reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. He calls for technology neutrality in legislation to make progress with climate protection, preserve the expertise and innovative strength of the European automotive industry, and keep jobs in Europe.
Mahle's commitment to climate protection and e-mobility is clear. The company's technologies are aimed at reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of ICE vehicles, contributing to a more sustainable future for the automotive industry.
- Mahle, an automotive supply giant, is advocating for the continued development of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) technology, particularly those operated using climate-neutral fuels like e-fuels and biofuels, to bridge the gap towards electric vehicles in the automotive industry.
- As part of their commitment to climate protection and e-mobility, Mahle is also investing in the development of pure electric powertrains, hybrid systems, range-extender engines, and ICE using sustainably produced fuels, highlighting the importance of technological diversity in powertrain development for rapid and effective reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
