Internal combustion engines are not dying! One of Europe’s largest legislative groups is lobbying to change the EU’s planned new car emissions ban for 2035. The European People’s Party (EPP) wants the rules to clearly allow for the use of alternative and synthetic fuels after 2035.

European legislative bodies are working to secure the future of internal combustion engines

The EPP is urging the EU to revise its CO2 reduction rules for new cars and vans to permit the use of zero-emission alternative fuels after 2035. While the EU had allowed the use of synthetic fuels, these measures were deemed temporary. The EPP wants the EU to reconsider its internal combustion engine ban and to develop advanced internal combustion engines.

Many car manufacturers, including Toyota, are working on alternative fuels. The Japanese automaker is testing hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines in motorsports. The brand is collaborating with Mazda and Subaru to develop carbon-neutral engines. Mazda believes rotary engines are the solution, designed to run on e-fuels and electricity, potentially producing little to no emissions.

Porsche is at the forefront of synthetic fuel development. The automaker is experimenting with synthetic fuels and demonstrating how they work in real-world scenarios. Last year, a Porsche 911 running on synthetic fuel set a record by reaching the summit of a volcano in Chile. The CEO showcased the capabilities of a synthetic fuel-powered Porsche 911 with a drift demonstration last year.

Whether the EPP will succeed in influencing the EU remains to be seen, but the outlook is promising. The group recently secured the largest share in the European Parliament elections, holding 188 seats out of 720 legislative bodies. The issue will be discussed at an EU meeting in Portugal this week.

What do you think? Is there a possibility of a complete ban? Share your thoughts in the comments below.