Phasing Out Internal Combustion Engines: Environment Minister Carsten Schneider Stands Firm
Traditional engines labeled as ludicrous by the Environmnt Minister - Relying on Burners Labeled as "Preposterous" by Environment Minister
In a bold move, Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) is determined to push ahead with the phase-out of fossil fuels, despite the agreements in the coalition treaty. "The switch to clean heating and the farewell to fossil fuels is non-negotiable," Schneider positively stated in the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" on Monday. He emphasized the need for support, especially for those who struggle financially with the transition.
Despite the commitments in the coalition treaty to "abolish the heating law," Schneider believes that in reality, this won't make much of a difference. "It's all about the nuances," he explained.
Automakers Missed the Boat on Electric Vehicle Development, According to Schneider
The end of the internal combustion engine (ICE) is inevitable, according to Schneider. This shift isn't just an outcome of political decisions but a global market trend. However, he believes the German manufacturing industry should have been more proactive in the development of electric vehicles (EVs). Relying on ICEs is "absurd," he commented.
By EU regulations, new cars that do not emit CO2 will be the only ones allowed for registration from 2035, effectively marking the end of ICE vehicles. This gives the German industry ten more years to catch up and adapt. "I believe they can do it," Schneider expressed confidence.
Industry Resistance to EV Transition
Hildegard Müller, the president of the Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), expressed her concern about the transition in a statement last week. She argued that banning ICEs would stifle debate and force consumers to switch, rather than encouraging them through innovation.
- Carsten Schneider
- SPD
- Coalition Treaty
- Heating Law
- Internal Combustion Engines
- Electric Vehicles
- Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA)
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While the German government's plan to phase out ICEs by 2035 aligns with EU law, there is ongoing debate within Germany and among EU member states about modifying the policy. The VDA advocates for a more flexible transition, proposing a 90 percent CO2 reduction target for new vehicles by 2035 with the option for up to 10 percent of new vehicles to still be ICE models.
The transition to EVs presents considerable challenges for workers and companies involved in ICE manufacturing. The VDA emphasizes the importance of maintaining development and production capabilities for ICEs to sustain the supplier industry and jobs.
Despite these challenges, Finland, Norway, and the Netherlands have already announced plans to ban the sale of ICE vehicles earlier than 2035. As consumer trends and technological advances continue, ICE cars are expected to become increasingly less attractive.
The German government and industry are discussing socially sensitive approaches to ensure the transition does not disproportionately harm workers and local economies dependent on ICE production. Specific support measures for affected workers and regions are not fully detailed in the official government communication, but there is an ongoing dialogue about socially fair transition policies that balance environmental objectives with job security and economic stability.
- Carsten Schneider, representing the SPD, believes that support is essential for individuals facing financial struggles during the transition from fossil fuels to clean heating sources.
- Schneider believes that the German manufacturing industry, especially the automotive sector, should have been more proactive in the development of electric vehicles as relying on internal combustion engines (ICEs) is deemed "absurd".
- The Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has expressed concern about the transition from ICEs to electric vehicles, arguing that a complete ban could stifle debate and force consumers to switch rather than encouraging them through innovation.
- In an attempt to balance environmental goals with job security and economic stability, the German government and industry are discussing socially sensitive approaches to ensure the transition from ICE vehicles does not disproportionately harm workers and local economies.
- While the transition to renewable-energy sources, such as electric vehicles (EVs), presents challenges for workers and companies involved in ICE manufacturing, countries like Finland, Norway, and the Netherlands have already announced plans to ban ICE vehicles earlier than 2035.
