The prospect of a complete combustion engine ban in 2035 is facing renewed scrutiny as the leaders of Bavaria and Lower Saxony, Markus Söder (CSU) and Olaf Lies (SPD), respectively, prepare to present a joint position at an upcoming motor industry summit. Their stance, articulated in a co-authored opinion piece for the Handelsblatt, signals a growing dissatisfaction within both conservative and social democratic factions regarding the current trajectory of European automotive policy.
Söder and Lies argue that the mandated shift to 100% electric mobility by 2035 is “no longer realistic” reflecting a sentiment increasingly shared across the German automotive sector. The current regulations, they contend, risk imposing unsustainable financial penalties on European manufacturers and impede the industry’s ability to adapt to evolving consumer demands and infrastructural limitations.
The crux of their proposal centers on a more flexible approach to CO₂ emission targets. Instead of rigid, periodic benchmarks, they advocate for “gradually declining CO₂ fleet limits” that accurately reflect the current market conditions – including the sluggish adoption of electric vehicles and the persistent gaps in Europe’s charging infrastructure. They insist on the necessity of a “realistic path” to avoid potentially crippling fines for European automakers.
Crucially, the two regional leaders propose retaining a limited role for plug-in hybrid vehicles and range-extender technologies beyond 2035. Recognizing that a rapid, wholesale transition to battery electric vehicles remains challenging, they suggest these technologies can serve as “pragmatic bridges” to facilitate the shift. Furthermore, they suggest exploring the utilization of climate-neutral fuels to supplement emissions reductions, particularly for existing vehicle fleets.
Beyond the immediate challenge of emission targets, Söder and Lies also champion a broader perspective, calling for the EU to incorporate emissions reductions across the entire automotive value chain in its regulations. They believe manufacturers should be incentivized for decarbonization efforts extending beyond tailpipe emissions, encompassing areas such as renewable energy use, green steel sourcing, recycling initiatives and the development of local battery cell production. This wider acknowledgment of industry efforts, they argue, will foster innovation and ensure a more sustainable and economically viable transition for the European automotive sector. Their joint position underscores a growing disconnect between ambitious EU policy goals and the practical realities faced by the industry, potentially setting the stage for a significant policy debate.