Zipse argues that a categorical ban on combustion engines would be a “bogus solution” and could effectively become a ban through the back door if e-fuels are not made widely available by 2035.
E-fuels, which are carbon-neutral, could help decarbonize existing petrol and diesel cars and are seen as a viable option for vehicles not ideally suited to battery electrification, such as sports cars and heavy goods vehicles, says AutoCar. Do you think e-fuels could be a practical solution?
According to a 2019 report by the International Energy Agency, producing all of today’s industrial hydrogen output from electricity would create an electricity demand of 3600TWh. This is almost 1000TWh more than the EU’s entire energy production in 2022, of which just 39.4% came from renewables, says Iea.org. And that is simply to match today’s hydrogen output, not the surplus needed for the mass industrialisation of e-fuels, says AutoCar. This highlights the significant energy requirements for producing hydrogen on a large scale.
The question of whether a categorical ban on combustion technology is wrong is complex and depends on various perspectives. For example, from an environmental perspective, a ban on combustion engines could be seen as a necessary step to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. The transportation sector is a major contributor to CO2 emissions, and transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) and other zero-emission technologies is crucial for achieving climate goals as we already know.
On the other hand, critics like BMW CEO Oliver Zipse, argue that a categorical ban might stifle innovation and limit options. They suggest that e-fuels, which are carbon-neutral, could provide a viable alternative for certain types of vehicles that are not well-suited to battery electrification, such as sports cars and heavy goods vehicles, according to Automotive News Europe.This approach could also help decarbonize existing petrol and diesel cars making them a practical solution for reducing emissions without completely abandoning ICE technology, says BMW.
He emphasizes the need for a balanced and pragmatic approach to ensure a sustainable transition to low-emission vehicles.
Ultimately, the effectiveness and fairness of a categorical ban depend on how well alternative technologies and infrastructure are developed and whether they can meet the diverse needs of consumers and industries. What are your thoughts on the use of e-fuels as an alternative to battery electric vehicles?
