Berlin is facing mounting criticism over its lobbying efforts at the European Union level to allow continued registration of “highly efficient combustion engines” beyond 2035, despite failing to define what constitutes this ambiguous classification. A parliamentary inquiry revealed a concerning lack of clarity surrounding the government’s position, prompting accusations of prioritizing industry interests over climate goals.
Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport, admitted in a written response to Green Party MP Julian Joswig – as reported by “Der Spiegel” – that the government has not established a specific definition or measurable criteria for these “highly efficient combustion engines”. Instead, the term originated within the state premiers’ conference in October, effectively floating a concept without concrete substance.
This lack of transparency has drawn sharp condemnation, with Joswig accusing business-friendly politician Friedrich Merz of echoing industry lobbying points without addressing their compatibility with Germany’s climate targets. He characterized the move as a “smokescreen” diverting attention from accelerating the transition to electric mobility.
Independent analysis from Agora Verkehrswende underscores the stark efficiency difference between electric and combustion vehicles. While electric vehicles initially generate a higher carbon footprint during production, their operational efficiency significantly outweighs that of gasoline engines – achieving 64% efficiency compared to approximately 20% for gasoline vehicles, respectively. Electric vehicles become demonstrably more climate-friendly after driving just 60,000 kilometers and even more so compared to diesel vehicles, surpassing environmental advantages after 90,000 kilometers. The potential for even greater carbon reduction is amplified through the utilization of renewable energy sources for charging.
The government’s ambiguity raises questions about the seriousness of its commitment to the European Union’s climate goals and risks undermining public trust in the transition to sustainable transportation, particularly as the deadline for phasing out combustion engines approaches. The lack of a clear and measurable definition leaves open the possibility for manufacturers to continue selling less efficient gasoline vehicles under the guise of being “highly efficient” potentially delaying progress towards a truly zero-emission transportation system.