The German governing coalition, comprised of the Union and SPD parties, faces a critical juncture regarding the phasing out of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, with significant pressure emerging from Bavaria’s leadership. Discussions are slated for Thursday’s coalition committee, centering on potential revisions to the current 2035 deadline, a move increasingly championed by CSU leader and Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder.
Söder’s push extends beyond merely softening the final date. He is reportedly advocating for the explicit allowance of certain ICE vehicles beyond 2035, a move that directly challenges the existing framework aimed at accelerating the transition to electric mobility. Furthermore, he seeks to incorporate hybrid vehicles into the planned electric vehicle subsidy program, a significant shift that could dilute the intended focus on fully electric alternatives.
The current subsidy plan, initially agreed upon during the “Automobile Dialogue” in October, allocates €3 billion from the climate and transformation fund to financially support households with lower and middle incomes in the purchase of electric vehicles. This program was presented as a key component of Germany’s broader climate goals.
While a general consensus exists within the coalition to relax the rigid 2035 cutoff, the degree of flexibility and the technologies to benefit from it remain contentious. Sources within the coalition suggest Söder is demanding language mirroring a recent agreement by state premiers who voiced opposition to a “rigid ban on internal combustion engine technology from 2035”. This signals an intent to prioritize political expediency over the ambitious climate targets initially set.
The emerging debate sparks concerns regarding the coalition’s commitment to its green agenda and exposes potential fissures between those prioritizing technological neutrality and those advocating for a decisive shift towards electric mobility. The outcome of Thursday’s discussions could significantly impact Germany’s role as a leader in the global transition to sustainable transportation and raise questions about the durability of the coalition’s environmental policy framework. The decision highlights a broader tension between political demands and long-term environmental commitments and underscores the complex challenges inherent in balancing economic interests with climate imperatives.