The Struggle Against Incinerator Bans Overlooks the Central Issue

The European Union (EU) has set a ambitious goal to ban the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines by 2035, as part of its drive towards a greener future. However, the implementation of this plan has been met with debates among the EU's 27 members, calls for flexibility, and even resistance from some powerful figures in the automotive industry.

One of the most vocal opponents to the ban is Ola Källenius, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz and President of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. In September 2025, Källenius penned an open letter to the President of the European Commission, arguing that the planned ban on gasoline-powered cars from 2035 is "no longer feasible" and calling for a recalibration of CO2 reduction targets.

Källenius' stance on the ban is unclear, but it seems he is fighting against it. His argument, shared in the open letter, highlights a lack of holistic policy and difficult business conditions as reasons for his concern.

The EU's struggle to effectively implement its plans for a greener future is not isolated. Climate change cannot be effectively addressed without turning away from fossil fuels, yet some politicians, such as former US President Donald Trump and Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD), continue to deny human-induced climate change.

The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is a crucial part of the solution. While not perfect, EVs have lower CO2 emissions compared to combustion engines according to current knowledge. They also use energy more efficiently, make less noise, and do not emit exhaust gases, which should be an important argument in emission-heavy cities.

Some German manufacturers are already presenting technologically advanced, efficient, and visually appealing electric cars at the IAA show in Munich. Affordable entry-level electric cars will be introduced by some manufacturers starting next year.

However, the transition to EVs is not without its challenges. Unfinished business includes the development of charging stations, expansion of the power grid, electricity prices, and procurement of raw materials for batteries. If politics and industry can't manage these challenges, both climate protection and the industry could suffer, with China potentially gaining an advantage.

Both manufacturers and politicians, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz and some within the Greens, have called for flexibility in the transition to CO2-free drives by 2035. The IAA auto show in Munich has seen calls for the EU to relax its rules to avoid endangering the European automotive industry.

Källenius' job security is a potential concern due to his stance on the ban. As the EU navigates this complex issue, it remains to be seen how the automotive industry will adapt and whether the 2035 ban on internal combustion engines will stand.