Automotive supply giant Mahle repeats its call for European regulators to urgently change course and allow “green” internal-combustion-engine technologies beyond the scheduled ban in 2035.
This second call applies more pressure on the European Union to amend its intended policy to ban all sales of new vehicles with ICE components in their powertrains, such as hybrids, within the next 10 years.
It also follows similar calls from Europe’s automaker representative body, the European Automobile Manufacturers Assn. (ACEA), for regulators to wake up to the reality that not all consumers can or want to switch to battery-electric vehicles.
In a company release, Mahle stresses that the most promising way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly and effectively is through technological diversity in powertrain development.
“As a supplier, we need technology neutrality in legislation,” CEO Arnd Franz tells attendees at Mahle’s Tech Day in Stuttgart, Germany. “So that we can make rapid progress with climate protection. So that the expertise and innovative strength of the European automotive industry can continue to flourish in Europe. So that jobs remain in Europe and Europe’s economy can recover its old strength.”
He says his company is committed to developing pure electric powertrains alongside its work with hybrid, range-extender engines and ICE using sustainably produced fuels including ethanol.
“We have a clear commitment to climate protection. And to e-mobility. We are ready,” he says.
Franz highlights the high decarbonization potential of renewable fuels is yet to be fully exploited on a commercial level.
With the proper backing from regulators, he says these fuels, including biofuels and synthetic fuels, used in road traffic would need to rise to 30% by 2030 to reach the climate goals.
“Any plan for rapid and effective climate protection in road traffic is incomplete without renewable fuels,” he says. “In addition to hydrogen, especially in the transport sector, biofuels can make an effective contribution to individual mobility. Mahle technologies already allow the direct use of renewable fuels without any compromises,” Franz adds.
He warns there is no time to delay the decision to revise the European Union’s 2035 ban on ICE because companies, such as his own, are being forced to invest into these clean technologies until the regulations are changed.
“Internal-combustion engines operated using climate-neutral fuels must be recognized as part of the solution,” Franz says, explaining that vital business funds will be lost in wasted R&D.
“If the EU was not prepared to change its position with regard to a ban on ICE vehicles, such an investment stop would be the logical consequence.”
Mahle will showcase its full range of sustainable technologies aimed at reducing CO2 and road congestion in September at IAA Mobility in Munich.
These include a range extender to boost the range of BEVs, a compact thermal management module with an integrated heat pump to significantly extend the range of BEVs, and ethanol-compatible engine components, which the company says will considerably reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of ICE vehicles.
