EU's Controversial Stance on Internal Combustion Engines

The European Union's decision to phase out the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035 is facing increasing scrutiny. Two years after this regulation was established, challenges in battery manufacturing and weaknesses in the electrical grid have emerged, prompting discussions about the necessity of reconsidering the ban on internal combustion engines.

This ban is part of the EU's broader climate initiative, known as the Fit for 55 package, which aims to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030. The intention is to transition from fossil fuels to what are perceived as greener alternatives, thereby setting an example in climate action.

However, the rationale behind the Fit for 55 initiative appears flawed. Operating a contemporary economy solely on renewable energy sources poses considerable challenges. The added strain of an electrified transport sector exacerbates these difficulties.

Moreover, Europe's ambitions for domestic battery production have collided with the harsh realities of inorganic chemistry. Currently, the extraction and processing of the rare metals required for batteries are predominantly carried out in China. Efforts to establish competitive battery manufacturing facilities within Europe have proven to be highly complex, as evidenced by the bankruptcy of Northvolt, a company that failed to produce a single fully Swedish battery and relied on imported materials from China. This raises concerns that Chinese firms might acquire the assets of Northvolt at a fraction of their worth.

The existing ban on internal combustion engines effectively pushes European drivers towards reliance on Chinese corporations while placing additional strain on the already fragile electrical infrastructure. In a context marked by energy crises, geopolitical tensions, and tariffs, this enforced shift in technology appears ill-advised.

Unlike batteries, the internal combustion engine is a technology that Europe has perfected over the years. The continent boasts numerous leading companies and value chains associated with this technology, which significantly contribute to employment within the region. Therefore, it is crucial for the EU to avoid jeopardizing these sectors.

The reasoning behind the ban on internal combustion engines is grounded in a commendable objective of addressing climate change. European lawmakers aimed to demonstrate their green initiatives to voters. However, the prohibition on combustion engines, akin to electrifying the steel industry and other sustainability mandates, represents a poorly conceived symbolic gesture. It is unrealistic for policymakers to dictate the pace of societal transformation in such a manner.

While there is no doubt that the electrification of the transport sector will proceed, imposing a blanket ban on internal combustion engines was misguided. Europe should focus on fostering a new generation of chemists and engineers, developing mines for rare earth metals, and establishing a stable power supply. This would allow for a more measured transition from combustion engines to newer technologies. Until such developments are realized, a hybrid approach may serve Europe best.