Electric vehicles aren't the only solution to meet CO2 targets: Italy auto lobby

  • Biofuels and synthetic fuels are being developed to allow modified versions of combustion engines to continue to be used.
FILE PHOTO: An electric car is seen plugged in at a charging point for electric vehicles. (REUTERS)
FILE PHOTO: An electric car is seen plugged in at a charging point for electric vehicles.

On the journey to reduce carbon emissions and make the environment greener, battery-powered vehicles are not the only solution, the head of Italy's automotive lobby told Reuters. He added that there are other technologies too that could help decarbonise the industry while meeting the same emission targets, and also preserving know-how and jobs in the country, Paolo Scudieri, who is also the chairman of automotive industry association ANFIA, said.

He was referring to biofuels, synthetic fuels, and hydrogen, and how they can contribute to the environment, adding that the country's automotive industry is already making huge investments on hydrogen. Biofuels and synthetic fuels are also referred to as e-fuels. They allow operation of modified versions of combustion engines to continue to be used rather than a complete switch to EVs.

Also check these Bikes

Find more Bikes
Amo Mobility Feisty Ev (HT Auto photo)
Range Icon75 km
₹68,000
Compare
Kabira Mobility Km 5000 Ev (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon11.6 kwh Range Icon344 km
₹ 3.15 Lakhs
Alert Me When Launched
Honda Cb300f Flex-fuel (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon293.52 cc Mileage Icon30 kmpl
₹ 1.70 Lakhs
Compare
Battre Electric Mobility Storie (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon3.1 kWh Range Icon132 km
₹94,999
Compare
View Offers
Battre Electric Mobility Loev (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon1.2 kWh Range Icon150 km
₹59,900
Compare
Battre Electric Mobility One (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon3.1 kWh Range Icon85 km
₹74,000
Compare

Also Read : Car sales take a hit due to semiconductor shortage, Covid-119 measures

Scudieri highlighted that concentrating on EVs alone, currently dominated by Asian producers, has the potential to put about 73,000 jobs at risk in Italy in coming years. However, these would not be compensated by about 6,000 new jobs expected to be created by electric mobility. He added that out of a total of 2,200 car plants in the country, 450 of them risk going out of business because they haven't yet started preparing for the shift of production to electric technology.

The European Commission or the EC has proposed CO2 emission targets for the bloc, aiming to cut 100% of CO2 emissions by 2035. This target is part of a bigger package of climate change policies launched last year. It will make it impossible for OEMs to sell new fossil fuel-powered vehicles in the 27-country bloc.

Next week, the European parliament will hold a debate on a number of climate policies, including a plan to effectively ban combustion engine cars by 2035.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape.

First Published Date: 01 Jun 2022, 10:05 AM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Check Latest Offers

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Select a dealer

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy
Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.