Germany’s commitment to phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles is facing renewed scrutiny, with leading climate scientist Mojib Latif warning against any delays and highlighting the potential for significant economic and political damage. Latif, in an interview with the “Rheinische Post”, expressed concern that the ongoing debate surrounding the combustion engine ban is undermining consumer confidence and jeopardizing Germany’s industrial competitiveness.
The current legislative framework mandates a gradual reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from new vehicles, effectively ending sales of new gasoline and diesel cars by 2035. However, recent signals from the German government indicate a willingness to lobby the European Commission to allow for the continued registration of “highly efficient” combustion engines beyond that deadline. This shift is attracting sharp criticism from within the scientific community.
Latif argues that such a policy reversal represents a dangerous backpedaling on climate targets, particularly considering the transportation sector remains a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions with demonstrably slow progress in mitigation. He warned that wavering on the 2035 deadline risks stalling the transition to electric mobility and signaling a lack of conviction to international partners.
The debate also carries significant economic implications. Latif pointedly observed that China is aggressively investing in electric vehicle technology, positioning itself as a global leader. A reversal of Germany’s commitment risks widening the technological gap and potentially diminishing the country’s automotive industry’s future relevance.
While acknowledging the current efficiency gap – with electric vehicles boasting approximately 64% efficiency compared to around 20% for gasoline engines – Latif emphasized that consumer adoption is intrinsically linked to supportive policies. He specifically called for increased subsidies for electric vehicle purchases, a substantial expansion of the public charging infrastructure and a reduction in electricity costs for charging, arguing these measures are crucial to stimulate demand and accelerate the transition. The current policy uncertainty and potential for backtracking are, he contends, actively hindering progress and threatening to derail Germany’s climate ambitions.
