Dec. 16 (UPI) — Officials in the European Union have revoked a planned ban on the production of vehicles with internal combustion engines and replaced it with a carbon dioxide emissions mandate.
Automakers in the European Union can continue producing so-called ICE vehicles, but only those that emit 90% fewer CO2 emissions by 2035, according to euro news.
The remaining 10% in emissions can be compensated for by using low-carbon steel made in the EU or by using alternative fuels, including biofuels and e-fuels.
“We’re staying the course towards zero-emissions mobility, but introducing some flexibilities for manufacturers to meet their CO2 targets in the most cost-efficient way,” Wopke Hoekstra, EU climate action commissioner, told media Monday.
Hoekstra called the change a “win-win” for consumers by offering them more choices for their personal transportation while continuing the EU’s move to produce and sell more electric vehicles, The Guardian reported.
The EU will continue to promote the production and buying of electric vehicles via “super credits,” euro news reported.
The super credits enable automakers to accrue carbon credits for their respective manufacturing facilities in Europe.
“This will allow for plug-in hybrids, range extenders, mild hybrids and internal combustion engine vehicles to still. Play a role beyond 2035, in addition to full electric and hydrogen vehicles,” according to the EU.
Critics say the move will hamper Europe’s transition to electric vehicles.
E-Mobility Europe Secretary Gen. Chris Heron said the change will cause Europe to “take the wind out of its own sails,” as reported by The Guardian.
Greenpeace Germany Executive Director Martin Kaiser called the regulatory change an “early Christmas present for Chinese electric car manufacturers.”
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