In its proposed ban on the sale of new combustion engine cars starting in 2035, the European Union has agreed to include an exception for synthetic fuels. According to the Associated Press, the group reached an agreement with Germany on Saturday to let automakers to sell new ICE cars after 2035, provided that those automobiles only use fuels that are climate-neutral. The settlement resolves a disagreement that had the potential to derail the EU’s flagship climate change strategy. The European Parliament postponed a vote that would have formalised the proposed prohibition at the beginning of March after Germany, with the support of the auto industry, stated that it would not support the mandate without a waiver for synthetic fuels.
Synthetic fuel production requires a tremendous amount of energy, as The Guardian points out. Additionally, without direct air capture technology, e-fuel vehicles emit nearly the same levels of greenhouse gases as their conventional ICE equivalents. A carveout for synthetic fuels may result in up to 46 million fewer total EV sales in Europe by 2050 “without providing any additional CO2 savings,” according to a prediction made before Saturday’s announcement. It’s also important to note that no company is currently mass-producing synthetic fuels. This is important to note because it’s unlikely that European drivers will save money using e-fuels. According to Transport & Environment, the average EU driver will spend €782 more year to fill up their car with synthetic fuel than with regular petrol by the year 2030.
