A push for a faster transition away from internal combustion engines is gaining momentum within Germany, as Environment Minister Carsten Schneider has voiced his support for accelerating the timeline. Speaking to RTL and n-tv broadcasters, Schneider stated the need for “more speed” in phasing out gasoline and diesel vehicles.
He indicated willingness to carefully examine a proposal put forth by the automotive industry to the European Union, which suggests a ban on combustion engines in service and rental vehicle fleets. Schneider described the concept as “an interesting approach” emphasizing the potential to encourage a quicker market shift towards alternative technologies.
The Minister suggested that regulatory measures could be instrumental in achieving the desired advancements within the automotive sector. However, he cautioned that a full assessment would be possible only once the EU formally presents its proposals.
Currently, the European Commission has only committed to reviewing the possibility of such regulation. While the proposal originates from automotive manufacturers, it has already drawn criticism, as demonstrated by comments from Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who expressed reservations earlier this week.