Synthetic fuels EV goal

PORSCHE is backing moves by Germany to block a European ban on new combustion-engine cars from 2035.

“We think e-fuels (synthetic fuels) can play a useful complementary role for a large number of existing cars and niche segments,” CEO Oliver Blume said at the presentation of Porsche’s annual results for 2023.

Germany has upset partners in the EU by blocking a milestone agreement to ban new sales of fossil fuel cars from 2035. In order to give the green light, Berlin is insisting on further assurances from Brussels that it will still be possible to use synthetic after the proposed end date.

The technology of synthetic fuels, under study, consists of producing fuel from CO2 from industrial activities using low-carbon electricity. | AFP

VOLKSWAGEN is planning to invest

€122 billion (R2.36 trillion) in the shift towards electric vehicles, as the battle for dominance in the EV market heats up.

“As early as 2025, every fifth vehicle sold worldwide is expected to be one with an all-electric drive,” the company said.

More affordable EVS are part of the equation too, with VW announcing the new ID.2 all-concept car that will launch in 2025 with a starting price of €25 000 (R487 000).

VW said it was pushing to build a series of battery factories, as well as expenses linked to securing raw materials for batteries. | AFP

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