Europe aiming to intensify fleet-wide CO2 restrictions

The German Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour, and Tourism has voiced its concerns over the European Union Commission's plan to adjust emission standards for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, the Minister, has advocated against unilateral moves by the EU that could potentially harm the automotive industry. She argues that the regulatory devaluation of PHEV vehicles takes away important options from manufacturers and customers.

The Minister believes that PHEVs can contribute significantly to CO2 reduction, especially with an increasing electric range and growing charging infrastructure. However, she warns against cost increases for consumers due to further technical reductions in CO2 emissions, as these lead to significant additional costs that could endanger the acceptance of climate-friendly vehicles.

The Minister criticizes the current EU evaluations, stating that they are based partly on outdated and non-representative usage data. She calls for the suspension of tightening until the evaluation is complete to ensure fair and accurate assessments.

The EU Commission plans to adjust emission standards "Euro 6e-bis" and "Euro 6e-bis FCM" for PHEVs, causing many models to lose their Zero/Low-Emission Vehicle status. This adjustment may make it difficult for manufacturers to meet CO2 fleet targets, with several manufacturers already announcing the discontinuation of their PHEV programs.

Dr. Hoffmeister-Kraut refers to the EU planning on adapting emission standards for PHEVs in a way that ensures technological openness, provides planning security, and promotes cost-effective solutions. She advocates for these principles, along with affordable solutions, to achieve climate goals while maintaining the international competitiveness of the European automotive industry.

The Ministry can be contacted via email at the Press Office or through a contact form on their website for further information and discussions. The Ministry encourages open dialogue and collaboration in finding solutions that benefit both the environment and the industry.