CSU leader Markus Söder has recently voiced his opposition to the planned ban on combustion engines in the EU by 2035. In an interview with “Bild am Sonntag,” Söder criticized the decision, stating that it should be reversed. He argued that German car manufacturers are global leaders in the production of combustion engines and that it makes no sense to phase out this technology and hand it over to other countries. Söder also criticized the discontinuation of the purchase premium for electric cars, advocating instead for incentives and support to promote their adoption.
Interestingly, Söder had previously been a strong advocate for the ban on combustion engines. In 2007, as CSU general secretary, he had called for a ban starting from 2020 in Germany, emphasizing the creation of new jobs through the development of green engines. He had suggested transitioning to hydrogen and hybrid technology to replace combustion engines. Despite his earlier stance, a recent survey by Insa found that 61% of respondents are against the ban on combustion engines for new vehicles starting in 2035, while only 24% support it. The EU member states and the European Parliament had agreed on phasing out new vehicles with diesel and petrol engines a year ago, with a specific focus on reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
As per the EU regulations, new vehicles must not emit carbon dioxide during operation, which is commonly produced through the combustion of traditional fuels. There have been discussions about potential exceptions for E-fuels, which do not add additional CO2 to the atmosphere. Surprisingly, the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in Germany has not seen a significant rise, with a decrease of 14% in new electric car registrations and an increase of 4% in new combustion engine registrations in the first quarter of 2024. This data highlights the challenges in transitioning towards more sustainable transportation solutions and the continued reliance on traditional combustion engines despite environmental concerns.
Markus Söder’s changing stance on the issue reflects the complexity of balancing economic interests, environmental goals, and public opinion. While he previously supported the idea of moving away from combustion engines towards greener technologies, he now argues against banning them, citing Germany’s leadership in combustion engine production. The debate over the future of transportation and the role of combustion engines in it is ongoing, with different stakeholders advocating for various approaches to address climate change and reduce emissions. It remains to be seen how policymakers will navigate these competing interests to achieve a sustainable and efficient transportation sector in the coming years.
The decision to phase out combustion engines in the EU by 2035 has sparked debates and controversies among politicians, industry stakeholders, and the public. While the goal of reducing emissions and promoting cleaner technologies is widely supported, the methods and timelines for achieving this transition are subject to scrutiny and differing opinions. Markus Söder’s latest criticism of the ban on combustion engines reflects the divergent perspectives on how to address climate change and promote sustainable development in the automotive sector. As discussions continue, it is essential to consider a range of factors, including economic implications, technological feasibility, and social acceptance, to ensure effective and inclusive decision-making processes for the future of transportation.
