Germany's Ambitious Push for Climate-Neutral Road Traffic

Germany must exceed the EU's fuel guidelines to achieve climate-neutral road traffic by 2045, says auto association VDA. The VDA urges stronger incentives for renewable energy investments and higher reduction targets, emphasizing the significant role of CO2-neutral fuels amidst the prevalence of combustion-engine vehicles.

Germany needs to surpass the European Union's fuel guidelines to meet its 2045 goal of climate-neutral road traffic, according to a statement from auto association VDA on Wednesday. The EU's Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), introduced last year, falls short of necessary ambition, the VDA stated.

"Politicians are called upon to establish incentives for the ramp-up of renewable energy sources and thus to guarantee and promote investment," VDA President Hildegard Mueller said. Germany's automotive industry aims to ensure a sufficient supply of CO2-neutral fuels, such as biofuels and e-fuels, to power the 40 million combustion-engine vehicles expected to remain on the roads, even as the country targets 15 million electric cars by 2030.

The VDA is worried that the 2030 targets do not provide sufficient incentive for the oil industry to invest in climate-friendly fuel production. The EU aims for at least a 29% share of renewable energy by 2030 or a 14.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel use.

Germany, the largest economy in Europe, already seeks a higher reduction rate of 25%, but the VDA argues for 35%. The EU directive also sets a 5.5% quota for biofuels and synthetic fuels, including a 1% minimum for synthetic fuel. The VDA advocates for a 5% minimum for synthetic fuels, with additional interim targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60% in 2035, 90% by 2040, and completely by 2045.

"In the interests of climate protection, fossil fuels should no longer be sold at German petrol stations from 2045," the association added.