EU Intends to Strengthen Carbon Dioxide Emission Regulations for Vehicles

The Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism, Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, has voiced her concerns about the European Union's plans to tighten emissions standards for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

In a statement, the minister emphasised the importance of avoiding cost increases for consumers and maintaining technology openness, planning security, and affordable solutions to achieve climate goals and secure the international competitiveness of the European automotive industry.

The minister argued that the current EU evaluations are based partly on outdated and non-representative usage data, and the evaluation should be ongoing before any tightening occurs. She also stated that there should be no pre-determination of individual drive technologies, and PHEVs can make a relevant contribution to CO reduction with increasing electric range and growing charging infrastructure.

The minister's concerns come as several manufacturers have announced the end of their PHEV programs due to these upcoming changes. The adjustments will result in higher calculated carbon dioxide (CO) values for PHEVs, causing many models to lose their status as Zero/Low Emission Vehicles (ZLEVs).

The EU Commission plans to adjust exhaust emission standards "Euro 6e-bis" and "Euro 6e-bis FCM" for PHEVs in 2025 and 2027 respectively. However, there is currently no specific information available about companies announcing the end of their plug-in hybrid programs due to these changes.

One company that has adjusted its strategy is Opel, which has shifted its focus from exclusively electric vehicles to a multi-energy approach, which includes hybrids and conventional engines.

The minister believes that tightening PHEV regulations could hinder innovation and drive manufacturers out of an important transitional technology. She also believes that a regulatory devaluation of PHEV vehicles takes away important options from manufacturers and customers.

The minister's concerns have been echoed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism, which has a Press Office for media inquiries and can be contacted via email or through a contact form on their website. The specific email addresses for the Press Office and Citizen's Representative are provided.

The minister also emphasised the importance of avoiding cost increases for consumers and the need for ongoing evaluation of the EU's plans before any tightening occurs. She stated that there should not be any further unilateral moves by the EU to the detriment of the automotive industry.

In conclusion, the minister's concerns about the EU's planned tightening of PHEV regulations are well-founded. The adjustments could make it more difficult for manufacturers to meet CO fleet targets, and the minister believes that a regulatory devaluation of PHEV vehicles takes away important options from manufacturers and customers. The minister has called for ongoing evaluation of the EU's plans and for the need to avoid cost increases for consumers.