It is positive that the German federal government has now agreed on new incentives for electric mobility and on a position regarding the flexibilization of European CO2 regulations. Germany must speak out strongly in Brussels to represent the interests of workers in the automotive and supplier industries. The federal government is thus following IG Metall’s proposals. Electric mobility continues to be supported as the central path to the future of mobility. However, more flexibility is needed along the way than has been planned so far.
It is positive that the federal government is committed to continuing to allow plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and electric cars with internal combustion engine range extension (EREVs) even after 2035. To that end, it also makes sense not to tighten the usage factor for PHEVs in fleet limit calculations. Their electric range is increasing, and the proportion of electric driving can be significantly increased with appropriate measures. The European Commission should now take this into account when revising the fleet emission limits. PHEVs and EREVs can play an important role in the transition to electric mobility. They will help preserve jobs in the German automotive and supplier industries.
The German government intends to advocate in Brussels for greater recognition of climate-friendly fuels. Even if the volume of such fuels remains limited, they can contribute to the transition to climate-neutral passenger car transportation and help preserve jobs during this transition. The European Commission should revise the regulations accordingly.
Should the EU follow these proposals, we expect companies in the automotive and supplier industries to now quickly make commitments to maintaining their locations and jobs at German sites. Layoffs and relocations were often justified by citing Brussels’ rules; this must now stop.
At the same time, making the CO2 rules more flexible must not now lead to a slowdown in the ramp-up of electric mobility. The key to securing jobs in the German automotive and supplier industries remains to vigorously support this expansion, thereby ensuring that the substantial investments in new powertrains pay off more quickly and that the competitiveness of German manufacturers and suppliers in this crucial field of the future continues to advance.
It is therefore a positive step that the federal government will now quickly launch a new subsidy program for electric mobility aimed at private households with low and moderate incomes. In doing so, it is also following proposals made by IG Metall. We have likewise called for the inclusion of European-harmonized local content regulations, as has now been announced. This will ensure that demand generated by the new program also benefits German manufacturing plants.
Counting CO2-saving green steel toward automakers’ fleet emission limits is also a smart idea. This reduces emissions in automotive production while simultaneously supporting German steel production sites. The same applies to investments in Europe’s own battery cell manufacturing. Here, climate protection and industrial policy come together to build greater European resilience.