SPD Figures Divided on EU Combustion Engine Ban Amid Growing Debate

Internal Debate Emerges Within Germany's SPD on EU Combustion Engine Ban

Doubts are reportedly growing within Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) regarding the agreed-upon European Union ban on combustion engines, set to take effect in 2035. While some prominent party members are calling for adjustments to the policy, others within the SPD are reaffirming their commitment to the phase-out, highlighting an internal divergence on the future of automotive propulsion.

Calls for Flexibility and Realism

Among those advocating for a re-evaluation is Olaf Lies, the Minister President of Lower Saxony and a member of the SPD. Lies, whose state is a significant automotive hub, has publicly stated that the goal of permitting only fully electric cars from 2035 is 'unfortunately unrealistic'. In a policy paper developed in coordination with Saarland's Minister President Anke Rehlinger (SPD), Lies proposes that combustion engines, particularly plug-in hybrids and vehicles with range extenders, should still be allowed to be registered after 2035. The proposal also suggests that cars running on synthetic and biogenic fuels should continue to be newly registered beyond this deadline. Lies has called for a unified German position at the European level to prevent a complete combustion engine ban. This stance aligns with concerns from the German car industry association VDA and the metalworkers' union IG Metall, which have jointly urged the EU to reconsider the ban, citing slower-than-expected electric vehicle adoption and potential economic risks.

Reaffirmation of the Ban by Other SPD Members

Conversely, other leading figures within the SPD have explicitly stated their continued support for the 2035 ban. Jakob Blankenburg, the environmental policy spokesperson for the SPD parliamentary group in the Bundestag, affirmed, 'We are sticking to the 2035 ban on combustion engines.' Similarly, SPD Environment Minister Carsten Schneider and the Federal Ministry for the Environment have expressed their intention to adhere to the agreed CO₂ fleet limits. SPD lawmaker Armand Zorn has also cautioned that questioning the phase-out of fossil-fuel combustion engines could jeopardize Germany's long-term competitiveness. An earlier paper from SPD Members of the European Parliament also indicated a commitment to keeping the ban on combustion engines for new cars, while allowing for potential adjustments to fleet limits up to 2035.

Context of the EU Legislation and Industry Pressure

The European Union's legislation mandates that all newly manufactured vehicles must be zero-emission from 2035, effectively banning new petrol and diesel cars. However, a German veto during the legislative process led to a crucial exception: combustion engine cars can still be sold after 2035 if they run exclusively on e-fuels. This concession was a result of pressure, particularly from Germany's pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP), which argued for 'technology openness' and the role of synthetic fuels. The broader German automotive industry, including major manufacturers like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, has voiced concerns about the feasibility of the 2035 target under current conditions, citing challenges in scaling up electric vehicle production and market growth. Environmental think tanks, such as Agora Verkehrswende, have warned that any softening of the ban could significantly slow the electrification process and jeopardize climate targets.