Bilger's initiative is linked to the latest German-French push against a strict phaseout of combustion engines by 2035. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) summarized the agreement with Paris as follows: "The phaseout of combustion engines is therefore history."

E20 is already being tested

E20 is not entirely new. According to previous information from the ADAC, the fuel is already being tested in Mannheim. "The fuel, with a bioethanol blend of up to 20%, is currently intended to be tested only as part of a closed fleet trial," the automobile club said this summer. The ADAC said that for drivers to be able to fill up with gasoline containing up to 20% bioethanol, known as Super E20, the quality standard for gasoline fuels, DIN EN 228, would have to be amended. The standard currently permits an ethanol share of no more than 10%.

According to automobile club AvD, drivers do not need to worry about their vehicles when using E20. "For vehicles that have already been approved by the manufacturer for E10 without restrictions and have modern fuel systems, using E20 is also technically safe," it said in a statement this spring.

Germany has long pushed to soften combustion-engine phaseout

Representatives of EU member states and the European Parliament agreed in 2022 that new cars in the EU would no longer be allowed to emit climate-damaging carbon dioxide (CO2) while in operation from 2035 onward. Otherwise, fines would be imposed. In December, the European Commission proposed continuing to approve new cars with combustion engines. The European Parliament and the EU member states are currently considering the proposal separately. The plan cannot take effect without their approval.

Germany and the auto industry had long pushed to soften the combustion-engine phaseout that had essentially already been agreed. Berlin and Paris have now reached agreement on joint proposals for the future of combustion engines and electric cars. They would allow the auto industry to sell new combustion-engine and hybrid vehicles after 2035 without facing fines. The agreement could secure a majority in the Council of the EU member states.

Bilger called the combustion-engine ban in its previous form a mistake. "The German government is delivering what it promised: a correction of the previous course and greater openness to technology," he said, according to a statement from his ministry. "Vehicles with combustion engines will continue to be approved and used after 2035 if they use renewable fuels. Renewable fuels can continue to make an important contribution to climate protection in the future."

Mixed response from auto industry

Volkswagen, Germany's largest automaker, called the joint position of Germany and France a strong signal for Europe and its ability to act. "The proposal from Berlin and Paris is a major breakthrough," a VW Group spokesman said verbatim. "France and Germany are proposing some sensible flexibilities in CO2 fleet regulation."

Hildegard Müller, president of the industry association VDA, criticized the German-French agreement, saying it still fell short in key areas of the necessary adjustments. "There is therefore a need for further discussions and adjustments in the negotiations in the Council and Parliament," she said, according to a statement from the association. As an example, Müller cited "the specific characteristics of the commercial vehicle sector," which had not been taken into account either by the European Commission or in the German-French paper.

Lower Saxony Minister-President Olaf Lies (SPD), who sits on VW's supervisory board, said in an interview with Deutschlandfunk that no one doubted that the path led to electric mobility. But the auto industry had to make money to finance the transformation. Employment stability was also needed.

Bilger sees need for improvement in charging networks in other countries

According to Bilger, charging options for electric cars are not equally well developed across Europe. "Not everyone has an opportunity to charge at home or at work," the minister said. "Germany is very well positioned with its public charging network. But other countries in Europe, where the combustion-engine ban is also supposed to apply, still have a great deal of catching up to do in expanding charging infrastructure." In many countries around the world, the switch to electric cars will take longer, but German automakers should also export there in the future

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