The European Union has proposed a ban on the sales of new cars with internal combustion engines (ICE) that emit greenhouse gases from 2035.
This would effectively end the era of petrol and diesel vehicles in the EU and accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). However, Porsche, one of the most iconic sports car makers in the world, is not ready to say goodbye to the combustion engine just yet. Here are four reasons why Porsche thinks the EU’s 2035 ICE ban might be delayed or revised.
- Uncertainty and discussion. Porsche Chief Financial Officer Lutz Meschke believes there is still a lot of debate and doubt around the end of the combustion engine in the EU. He said: “There’s a lot of discussions right now around the end of the combustion engine. I think it could be delayed.”He also suggested that the EU’s proposal is not final and could change depending on the political and economic situations.
- Climate neutral fuels. The EU’s ban on ICE cars does not apply to vehicles that run on carbon-neutral fuels, such as hydrogen or synthetic fuels. These fuels are made from renewable sources and do not release any net carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when burned. Porsche is investing in synthetic fuels and plans to test them in some of its motorsport activities, hoping to prove their viability and efficiency for future combustion engines.
- Global demand. Porsche expects more than 80 percent of its global sales to be electric by 2030, but it might still offer some petrol models in other markets where the demand is higher. For example, in the US, China, and the Middle East, Porsche customers still prefer the sound and performance of the combustion engine over the EVs. Porsche also wants to preserve its heritage and legacy of making some of the most iconic ICE cars in history.
- Regulatory challenges. The EU’s 2035 ICE ban is not only a challenge for Porsche, but also for the entire automotive industry. The ban requires a massive shift in the infrastructure, supply chain, and consumer behavior of the car market. It also poses legal and ethical questions, such as what will happen to the existing ICE cars after 2035, how will the e-fuels be regulated and taxed, and how will the environmental and social impacts of the EVs be assessed.
These are some of the reasons why Porsche thinks the EU’s 2035 ICE ban might be delayed or revised. Porsche is not against the electrification of the car industry, but it also wants to keep the combustion engine alive as an option for its customers and fans. Whether the EU will stick to its proposal or make some concessions remains to be seen.
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