--- title: "Germany Wants Synthetic Fuel Exempted From EU’s 2035 ICE Ban" description: "Germany thinks EVs aren't ready to replace fossil fuels yet, and it believes synthetic fuels are the proper stopgap." date: "2023-02-28" modified: "2023-02-28" authors: - name: "James Gilboy" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/james-gilboy" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/germany-wants-synthetic-fuel-exempted-from-eus-2035-ice-ban" categories: - "Car Tech" - "News" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" --- # Germany Wants Synthetic Fuel Exempted From EU’s 2035 ICE Ban ![Porsche Taycan Turbo]() *\Porsche\* Germany asked the European Union this week for an exemption to its [2035 ICE ban]() to sell vehicles burning CO2-neutral fuel. It would grant the country's automotive industry breathing room as it seeks a less potentially disruptive solution to reducing CO2 emissions. Last year, the E.U. announced a plan to ban the sale of new internal combustion-engined vehicles from 2035. Germany, whose auto industry generated $410.9 billion, accounting for over a fifth of the nation's industrial GDP according to [Germany Trade & Invest](), has much to lose if the ban proceeds and it can't supplant its current ICE sales with zero-emissions alternatives. Earlier this month, Germany's transportation secretary expressed an [interest in an exemption for synthetic fuel-burning vehicles](). Now, the country has formally asked for that according to *[Reuters]()*. "The commission should come forward with a proposal \[on\] how e-fuels can be used, or how combustion engines which are run with climate-neutral fuels can be can be organized," said Michael Theurer, the German secretary for transport. "We need hydrogen \[fuel cell\] technology and also e-fuels, especially in heavy vehicles, in truck transport." ![]() *Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo. *Porsche** Synthetic fuels (also called e-fuels) are [manufactured by CO2 capture]() and are theoretically CO2-neutral ([or near it]()) over their lifespan. If manufacturers are otherwise compliant with the ban, it reportedly can accommodate exemptions for synthetic fuels. Exemptions for CO2-emitting vehicles from low-volume manufacturers were enacted earlier this month, though complete exemption is limited to makes with an annual production of 1,000 vehicles or fewer. However, the "E" in e-fuel stands for electricity and electricity generation in Germany is far from carbon-free today. According to the [International Energy Agency](), carbon-neutral energy (nuclear and renewable) made up the two smallest sources of German energy in 2021, totaling barely more than biofuels and waste. Germany aims for 80% renewable energy share by 2030 according to *[Clean Energy Wire]()*, though its initial commitment to 100% by 2035 has reportedly encountered resistance from politicians. *Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach them here: james@thedrive.com* ## Author James is a former staff writer for The Drive. He has changed the conversation around electrification, debunked misinformation online, and become a prominent hunter of what he calls "automotive cryptids." ### Author social links [Instagram]()