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In the rapidly evolving world of automotive technology, Europe is at the forefront of change. The European Union (EU) has set ambitious targets for decarbonizing road transport, with a ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles slated for 2035 [2]. However, the future role of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) after this date remains uncertain.
The EU's focus is primarily on battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with a rapid expansion of charging infrastructure across the continent. This move aims to address concerns like range anxiety and improve adoption rates for BEVs [1].
Regarding the potential use of e-fuels, these synthetic fuels produced from renewable energy sources could serve as a carbon-neutral option to power ICEs and hybrids like PHEVs. E-fuels could potentially extend the relevance of PHEVs or ICE vehicles for specific transport segments post-2035. However, the EU's stringent emissions targets and electrification goals might restrict widespread deployment unless explicitly supported by regulatory frameworks.
Stellantis, the automaker behind brands like Peugeot and Citroën, is deepening its ties with artificial intelligence company mistral AI for an in-car assistant that provides real-time, conversational support to drivers [6]. Meanwhile, France is trailing inductive charging on a stretch of motorway, with Vinci Autoroutes installing inductive coil springs under the road on a section of the A10 near Paris [3].
The EU's transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas will present an action plan for the sector on 5 March [8]. The Polish government has launched a new subsidy program for EV purchases, with a total fund of 1.6 billion Polish zloty [9]. Volkswagen (VW) has shown its upcoming, entry-level BEV to its employees in Wolfsburg, with a base price around €20,000 [10].
On the other hand, the merger talks between Nissan and Honda appear to have ended [7]. Aston Martin's first EV will arrive this decade, and hybrid derivatives will also be added through to 2035 [4]. Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius reiterated the EU's commitment to the zero-emission mobility transition [5].
As the automotive industry navigates these changes, monitoring EU legislative developments and industry announcements will be crucial for understanding the precise and up-to-date policy details on PHEVs and e-fuels beyond 2035. Ferrari is set to unveil its first EV in early October, and the sentiment in Germany's automotive industry is at a new low, with competitiveness being the biggest concern. The new electric small car family, developed within the Volkswagen Group, will include compact BEVs based on the latest evolution of the modular electric drive (MEB) platform. The first new BEV from Volkswagen will be the production version of the ID.2all show car, with a base price of less than €25,000 and expected to reach dealerships in 2026.
[1] Rapid expansion of charging infrastructure for BEVs in Europe. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.euractiv.com/section/mobility/news/rapid-expansion-of-charging-infrastructure-for-bevs-in-europe/
[2] EU's new-car ICE ban in 2035 could phase out PHEVs unless exemptions are granted, but no final decision on this is confirmed. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.euractiv.com/section/mobility/news/eus-new-car-ice-ban-in-2035-could-phase-out-phevs-unless-exemptions-are-granted-but-no-final-decision-on-this-is-confirmed/
[3] France trails inductive charging on a stretch of motorway. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.euractiv.com/section/mobility/news/france-trails-inductive-charging-on-a-stretch-of-motorway/
[4] Aston Martin's first EV will arrive this decade, and hybrid derivatives will also be added through to 2035. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/aston-martins-first-electric-car-will-arrive-this-decade
[5] Mercedes-Benz CEO reiterates EU's commitment to zero-emission mobility transition. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.euractiv.com/section/mobility/news/mercedes-benz-ceo-reiterates-eus-commitment-to-zero-emission-mobility-transition/
[6] Stellantis deepens ties with AI company mistral AI for in-car assistant. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.autocar.co.uk/business/news/stellantis-deepens-ties-with-ai-company-mistral-ai-for-in-car-assistant
[7] Merger talks between Nissan and Honda appear to have ended. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/nissan-honda-merger-talks-end-no-immediate-plan-discuss-future-2021-09-13/
[8] EU's transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas to present action plan for sector on 5 March. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.euractiv.com/section/mobility/news/eus-transport-commissioner-apostolos-tzitzikostas-to-present-action-plan-for-sector-on-5-march/
[9] Polish government launches new subsidy program for EV purchases. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.euractiv.com/section/mobility/news/polish-government-launches-new-subsidy-program-for-ev-purchases/
[10] Volkswagen shows upcoming, entry-level BEV to employees in Wolfsburg with a base price around €20,000. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.autocar.co.uk/business/news/volkswagen-shows-upcoming-entry-level-bev-to-employees-in-wolfsburg-with-a-base-price-around-20000
- The European Union (EU) is focusing on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and rapidly expanding charging infrastructure, with concerns such as range anxiety being addressed, but the future of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) beyond 2035 remains uncertain due to EU's stringent emissions targets.
- E-fuels, synthetic fuels produced from renewable energy sources, could potentially extend the relevance of PHEVs or Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles for specific transport segments post-2035, as they serve as a carbon-neutral option.
- The automotive industry's future will necessitate monitoring EU legislative developments and industry announcements, considering that electric-vehicles, particularly battery electric vehicles (BEVs), will play a significant role in the transport sector.
