Ending sales of new thermal vehicles from 2035 remains at the center of discussions in European countries. Today in Stockholm Informal Council of EU Transport Ministers which was attended, representing Italy, by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matthew Salvini. The meeting, which, in particular, discussed the goals of the transport sector for the period up to 2035.
We know that the Italian government intends to try to convince the European Union to “slow down” the transition process, as well as adopt a more “technologically neutral” approach. In his speech, the minister explained to his European counterparts that “ecological transition should be encouraged and accompanied“, but then added that”the right to mobility must be guaranteed to everyone, especially those who cannot afford to buy an electric car“.
And yet, on the topic of stopping the production of gasoline and diesel cars, Salvini explained that the decisive factor is the time factor.
We all agree on the ultimate goal, but over-running can have the opposite effect.
Indeed, the minister added, banning endothermy in a few years will not help the environment, but, on the contrary, will enrich China.
Yes, a cleaner environment is in everyone’s interest, but without losing millions of jobs. I carried the strong voice of Italian workers and entrepreneurs here in Stockholm, in the heart of Europe, along with other ministers. The ecological transition is beautiful, on which Italy is also spending billions, but without putting its arms and legs into the arms of China. Electricity alone is a huge gift to China and means the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs in Italy. Green transition should be accompanied by no fines and no bans, banning gasoline and diesel cars in a few years is crazy, not helping the environment and enriching China.
Italy is not alone in wanting to change the European Union’s 2035 targets. GermanyInstead, he asked the EU to pass a law allowing be able to continue selling endothermic vehicles powered by e-fuel even after 2035. Secretary of State for Transport, Michael Terercommented:
The Commission shall submit a proposal on how to use e-fuels or use internal combustion engines running on climate-neutral fuels.
Arriving at the summit in Stockholm, Theurer said that Germany is convinced that battery-electric vehicles are “path“but not the only one.
We need hydrogen technology as well as e-fuels, especially in the truck and heavy transport sectors.
In short, electric vehicles are good for Theurer, but only if they are used in conjunction with other technologies. Germany’s position on e-fuel is certainly not new. In this case, this is probably a precise reference to the 2026 safeguard clause adopted at the European level, when it will be necessary to check the progress made towards the 2035 targets and evaluate the possible use of alternative technologies.
Source: HD Motori
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