"With its 10-point plan for climate-neutral mobility, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has presented key recommendations on how to achieve climate neutrality in the transport sector while simultaneously strengthening Europe's competitiveness. Electromobility will make a significant contribution to achieving climate neutrality. In addition to plug-in hybrids and range extenders, modern combustion engine vehicles powered increasingly by renewable fuels can also play a crucial role. One thing is certain: these technologies will play a global part in the journey toward climate-neutral mobility. Europe should take a proactive lead in this area and establish a corresponding regulatory framework to ensure that renewable fuels can effectively contribute to CO2 reduction in road transport.

The joint declaration focuses primarily on five demands to harness the potential of renewable fuels.

Firstly, equal treatment of new and existing vehicles when using renewable fuels, so that in the long term every vehicle can be operated with 100% renewable energy in the interest of climate protection.

Secondly, the introduction of a Carbon Correction Factor (CCF). This means that the quantities of renewable fuels already used in the EU will be taken into account. Currently, vehicles with combustion engines are treated as if they use 100% fossil fuels—this no longer reflects reality.

Thirdly, the recognition of vehicles demonstrably and exclusively powered by renewable fuels as zero-gram vehicles within fleet regulation. Fourthly, the creation of a uniform legal definition for renewable fuels. This should be based on the production and sustainability criteria of the Renewable Energy Directive for biofuels and e-fuels. Fifthly, CO₂ reduction requirements for renewable fuels should increase gradually and realistically to enable predictable investments in new, highly efficient production facilities and to promote the ramp-up of renewable fuels in line with the EU's long-term climate targets.

With this joint declaration, we aim to create the conditions for a successful ramp-up of renewable fuels by providing planning certainty and setting appropriate investment incentives. In the spirit of technological neutrality, Europe must now recognize the climate protection contribution of renewable fuels in fleet regulations in order to utilize the full range of decarbonization options for road transport."

The joint declaration of the 30 associations on the successful ramp-up of renewable fuels can be downloaded here: