New EU Automotive Package confirms long-term role for combustion engine technology
The International Platinum Group Metals Association (IPA) welcomes the European Commission’s adoption of the Automotive Package proposal, which supports the European automotive value-chain while protecting air quality and public health.
In automotive catalysts, Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) enable very significant reductions of toxic pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and other pollutants, and are therefore a key, irreplaceable technology for improving air quality and supporting emission reduction in road transport. The European automotive value chain furthermore has access to secure, sustainable supplies of PGMs, and an existing fully circular PGM processing capability in Europe.
By recognising that combustion engine technology will continue to play an important role in the long run, this Automotive Package proposal is a good step towards a long-term competitive and sustainable future for the automotive industry in the Union.
The European Commission’s support for plug-in hybrids, range-extenders, mild hybrids, and internal combustion engines beyond 2035 will help foster a sustainable road transport system that is practical and beneficial for both industry and citizens. It also supports consumers’ choices by allowing different powertrain technologies after 2035, without stipulating a new deadline for full zero-emissions requirement. The proposal additionally recognises that different technologies – such as PGMs-enabled hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles – are critical in meeting the EU’s long-term net-zero CO2 goals for road transport. The IPA also welcomes the inclusion of mandatory national targets for zero- and low-emission corporate car and van fleets, which will directly shape demand in a wider range of vehicle segments.
Nonetheless, by focusing on tailpipe emissions rather than life-cycle emissions, the proposal falls short of real technological neutrality. As the studies of the Association for Emission Control and Climate (AECC) show, all light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle powertrains similarly reduce life-cycle CO2 emissions when powered by sustainable renewable fuels – like e-fuels and biofuels – or electricity.
IPA also regrets the weakening in the Automotive Omnibus of Euro 7 emission standards, which already lacks ambition to fully protect air quality and public health. In anticipation of a more ambitious Euro 7 than was ultimately adopted, the European emission control industry developed advanced technologies that should be used to ensure cleaner road mobility.
The IPA therefore asks the European Parliament and the Member States to build on this Commission proposal to make sure the Union establishes a framework that incentivises all decarbonisation solutions based on life-cycle emission considerations rather than tailpipe emissions. Together with the PGMs industry, the IPA is ready to provide policy makers with accurate, timely information to ensure that the final legislation reflects both environmental objectives and practical industry realities. With PGMs-based emission-reduction technologies, the industry is eager to contribute solutions and collaborate to help improve the final Automotive Package, supporting a transition to a cleaner, sustainable European transport sector.