Combustion engines: could Brussels extend their future?

The future of combustion engines has become one of the most discussed topics of late, after Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, said that Brussels is considering measures that could extend the lifespan of these engines.

Until now, European emissions targets had pointed to the end of new internal-combustion cars from 2035. However, that deadline may now be set to change - find out more.

With this in mind, we invited João Reis, head of the Platform for the Promotion of Low-Carbon Fuels (PCBC) association, to Auto Talks. Its second edition debuted at ANECRA’s 36th Annual Convention, supported by Banco Credibom.

The energy transition

Is it realistic to expect every form of transport - cars, heavy vehicles, aviation and shipping - to move away from combustion over the coming decades? Is Europe legislating faster than it is able to innovate? And what happens when energy dependence is focused on a single technology? These were among the issues discussed in this episode.

The discussion soon made it clear that the energy transition cannot be achieved by decree. João Reis noted that “we can change almost everything, except the laws of physics”, while global energy demand will continue to rise as more people across the world gain access to development.

It also offered a clear explanation of low-carbon fuels, ranging from biofuels made from forestry waste, which is abundant in Portugal, to synthetic fuels produced using carbon captured from the air and green hydrogen.

These fuels work with existing combustion engines, can deliver substantial emissions reductions and provide an immediate solution for sectors with no alternative.

European legislation

For João Reis, European legislation is the greatest barrier - even more so than cost. In his view, the rules do not recognise these fuels as part of the solution for meeting emissions targets, preventing their development at scale and keeping them expensive.

The conversation also highlights certain contradictions in European policies, as well as the challenge of applying a single solution to countries with such different circumstances.

Join us for the next Auto Talks

There are therefore plenty of reasons to watch or listen to the latest Auto Talks, Razão Automóvel’s new editorial format, on the usual platforms: YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.