Mobility Minister Hanke on the phasing-out of combustion engines: Planning security is crucial for people and the industry Hanke: „Switch to emission-free engines requires clear political frameworks and no zigzag course“
The announced course change by the EU Commission regarding the planned abolition of combustion engines from 2035 brings Austria's Minister of Mobility Peter Hanke to the fore. The future of engines clearly lies with e-mobility. According to Hanke, the target year 2035 is correct, and any necessary adjustments must be based on clear goals and guidelines in line with the EU's climate policy commitments. It's important not to further unsettle people and the automobile industry. Concrete conditions are needed on the way to the mobility transition.
„From my perspective, planning and investment security for people and the automobile industry are crucial. There is no doubt that e-mobility is the future. Right now, the switch to emission-free engines requires clear political frameworks and no zigzag course. Unresolved conditions lead to uncertainty in the automobile industry and hold back important investments in the industry. Ultimately, this results in a definite competitive disadvantage compared to other markets,“ Hanke asserts.
Hanke wants to wait for the final proposal from the EU Commission and examine it carefully with the experts in his ministry. A clear commitment to e-mobility is still needed, as well as realistic assumptions about the use of e-fuels and biofuels. These are justified in terms of technological openness and can represent alternatives in aviation and shipping. Regarding their use in individual transport, questions about their scalability and economic viability remain open. The promotion of battery development 'Made in Europe' is to be welcomed.
Austria already on the way to e-mobility
E-mobility has already arrived in the middle of society in Austria. While in 2024, 17.6 percent of newly registered cars were purely electrically powered vehicles, by 2025 the figure will be over 21 percent. Since October, a quarter of a million e-cars have been registered in Austria. At the same time, charging infrastructure is being massively expanded. There are now around 35,000 charging points in the country, 7,000 more than in May. The number of ultra-fast charging points has doubled within a year to 3,600.