Italy Clashes with EU over ‘Absurd’ 2035 Gas-Engine Ban, Calls for Policy Rethink Amid Auto Industry Slowdown

Italian authorities are calling for the European Union to reconsider its decision to phase out new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035, labeling the move as "ridiculous." They are pushing for an earlier reassessment of the policy.

Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, speaking to Automotive News Europe at the TEHA business forum in Cernobbio, beside Lake Como in Italy, asserted last week that the current prohibition is nonsensical and stems from an "ideological vision." He emphasized the need for alterations to the ban to reflect the varying conditions of the market, especially in light of the European automotive sector's deceleration.

Ferrari's electronic structure

Italy's Minister of Industry, Adolfo Urso, has suggested that the European Union should adopt a more practical approach towards the automobile sector's future. He proposed that the EU should conduct an earlier evaluation of the adherence to enhanced emission regulations, which are pivotal to the ban on internal combustion engines, by advancing the review from 2026 to the following year.

Italy's conservative administration, led by Giorgia Meloni, is advocating for European Union nations to exercise greater autonomy concerning the choice of tech utilized to achieve carbon-cutting targets. Additionally, they're pushing for a less abrupt move away from vehicles with internal combustion engines, as reported by Automotive News Europe. However, this extended timeline isn't necessary for certain Northern European and Scandinavian regions, which are already witnessing a substantial uptake in electric and hybrid vehicle adoption.

Ferrari's electronic facility

The proposal to phase out internal combustion engines by 2035 was initially put forward in 2021, aiming for significant reductions in emissions en route to this target. However, this plan was modified in 2023 when Germany pushed for an exemption for cars using synthetic fuels. These e-fuels are marketed as producing fewer carbon emissions than traditional gasoline or diesel. They are considered by certain car manufacturers, such as Italy's Ferrari, as a potential lifeline for vehicles with internal-combustion engines.

The United States lacks a comprehensive strategy for eliminating gasoline-powered engines. According to regulatory projections, existing regulations on emissions might result in electric vehicles making up 67% of sales by 2032. However, these regulations are at risk of being repealed should the Republicans win the forthcoming election. Meanwhile, California has imposed stringent emissions standards set for 2035, which would essentially halt the sale of traditional combustion-engine cars, except for plug-in hybrids that can travel up to 50 miles.

Labels:

Participate:

Spread the Word:

Get in Touch with the Author:

Stay Updated:

Eco-Friendly Vehicle Digest

Subscribe for daily updates on the newest developments in eco-friendly vehicles and sustainability news straight to your email!

I consent to getting email communications from Green Car Reports. I acknowledge that I have the option to opt out of these emails whenever I choose. Privacy Policy.

Urban regions could leverage street lighting infrastructure to enable electric vehicle charging through solar and wind energy resources.

Upcoming rapid-charging hubs may resemble current petrol stations, featuring drive-through charging points.

The fully electric large SUV will have space for as many as seven occupants and will be equipped with modern technology upon its release in 2024.

Eight EVs have been named as recipients of the prestigious 2024 Top Safety Pick+ accolade by the IIHS.

GM and Hyundai are teaming up which may result in cost savings for environmentally friendly tech innovations.

Jaguar made a significant leap into the electric vehicle market with the introduction of the I-Pace but then seemed to slow down in its shift towards electric mobility.

A current collaboration with Mercedes could lead to significant increases in electric vehicle range without adding to the overall weight.

Lucid has offered a sneak peek at its upcoming midsize crossover SUV, emphasizing that the vehicle will prioritize both technology and fuel efficiency.

The head of Lucid, who also established the company, has shifted his perspective regarding the production of an electric pickup truck, asserting that the current technology does not present a viable business opportunity.

The initial models of the Lucid Gravity SUV will come equipped with a CCS charging port, with plans to switch to a NACS port by the year 2025.

The launch of the Jeep Wagoneer S is still on schedule; however, the Chief Executive Officer of the automotive company has pointed out that the quality of the pre-production models does not meet their standards.

Associated Content

Top Picks

Image Gallery

Updates

Press

Retailer Resources

Feed

Corporation

Connect With Us Now: