The internal combustion engine seems to have been given a lifeline even after the proposed 2035 ban as the European Commission stance on e-fuels appears to be softening. 

E-fuels are synthetic fuels made from waste CO2 from industrial processes. This means they are effectively carbon neutral. Car manufacturers, especially from Germany and Italy have been putting pressure on the European Commission to consider e-fuels as part of a long term solution to environmentally neutral mobility. 

This now appears to have produced results with re-elected EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyden quoted as saying “A technology-neutral approach is required, in which e-fuels will play a role by specifically amending the regulations as part of the planned review.”

This review is due to take place next year. The indications are that a total ban on internal combustion vehicles in Europe from 2035 may be avoided if e-fuels are allowed to be part of the solution. 

With sales of pure electric vehicles struggling across Europe, car makers are keen to keep all technological avenues open. While e-fuels are still in their infancy and remain expensive, many believe they do have a viable role, especially in high performance vehicles.