Kupka: Electric cars are not the only solution for decarbonization, I want to support others

Prague – Electromobility is not the only solution leading to decarbonization. The fleet of cars with internal combustion engines is large in Europe, and it is necessary to look for other options besides a massive replacement of cars. This was stated today by the Minister of Transport Martin Kupka (ODS) at the Tour d’Europe event, where representatives of the automotive industry presented the potential of renewable fuels in achieving the goal of climate neutrality by 2050. Climate neutrality refers to a state of society in which all greenhouse gas emissions are balanced by methods for their removal from the atmosphere; the EU has committed to this by 2050.

“It makes sense to look for solutions for this fleet of cars that we all know,” said Kupka. He added that relying solely on electric drive has its limits, for example, in the extensive replacement of the vehicle fleet or the development of charging infrastructure, which he believes would be economically very challenging for the Czech Republic. “We are trying to push the European Union to open up space for new, different solutions in this regard, so that it is truly technologically neutral,” the minister added.

According to the minister, it is necessary to support research and science so that other decarbonization solutions can develop in Europe. “At the moment we weigh the number of vehicles with internal combustion engines and look for good solutions for them, it can ultimately mean a much more significant contribution to environmental protection than betting on a complete transformation of the vehicle fleet in the short term,” said Kupka.

According to Kupka, a solution is the development of alternative fuels based on liquids, additives to existing fuels, or modifications of current fuels. Synthetic fuels are expensive, but they can be used for existing internal combustion engines. He reminded that Czech Railways is currently testing HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil) additives.

The Tour d’Europe project is an initiative of the European association FuelsEurope, the automotive industry, and the Bosch group. “Its goal is to raise awareness of the current wide availability of liquid renewable fuels or low-carbon fuels with high emission savings in Europe and to emphasize their role in rapidly achieving the EU’s climate goals using existing fueling station infrastructure and internal combustion engines,” said Jan Duspěva, CEO of Čepro. (April 14)