Campaign Group Urges EU to Reject Automakers’ Push for Biofuels After 2035

Post by : Saif

A new report by the campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E) is calling on the European Commission to firmly reject automakers’ requests to continue using biofuels in cars beyond 2035. The group argues that biofuels are limited in supply, not fully carbon-neutral, and could even lead to higher emissions in the long run.

This debate comes at a time when the European Union is preparing for a major transition. From 2035 onward, all new vehicles sold in the EU must produce zero carbon dioxide emissions. This rule is meant to support the shift toward electric cars and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Automakers Push for an Exception

Many large carmakers want the EU to allow certain types of biofuels even after 2035. They argue that carbon-neutral fuels should continue powering internal combustion engines, including plug-in hybrids and range extender vehicles. These fuels, sometimes called “e-fuels,” are promoted as cleaner alternatives.

The European Commission is expected to unveil new plans to help the auto industry on December 10. Automakers hope their request for continued biofuel use will be included.

T&E Says Biofuels Are Not Truly Clean

In its report, T&E reminds the public that earlier EU laws from 2018 already limited the use of crop-based fuels, like palm oil and soy. These fuels were found to contribute to deforestation and had high emissions from farming and transportation. Because of this, the EU shifted toward waste-based biofuels, such as used cooking oil and animal waste. Today, these materials make up about half of bio-based diesel in the EU.

However, T&E highlights a major problem: Europe imports about 60% of its biofuels and 80% of its used cooking oil. Much of this supply comes from Asia, where cases of fraud have been rising. Some companies have reportedly passed off palm oil as “waste” to meet EU rules.

Biofuels Could Increase Emissions Instead of Cutting Them

According to the report, biofuels made from food crops only cut emissions by about 60% compared to normal fossil fuels. When farming, transport, and processing are included, these fuels are far from carbon-neutral. Their production can also push farmers to clear forests to grow more crops, increasing global CO2 levels.

Advanced biofuels made from sewage sludge or municipal waste are cleaner, but they are produced in very small amounts. Most of these limited supplies are already committed to aviation and shipping, sectors that have fewer clean alternatives. If road transport also begins using them, EU demand could become two to nine times higher than what is sustainably available by 2050.

T&E warns that allowing biofuels to power cars after 2035 could lead to a 23% rise in CO2 emissions by 2050, undermining the EU’s climate goals.

The Campaign Group’s Recommendation

T&E argues that the future of Europe’s road transport should rely mainly on electric vehicles. If biofuels must be used at all, the group says they should be highly restricted — limited to only 5% of sales for vehicles that run on truly carbon-neutral e-fuels.

The message from T&E is clear: biofuels cannot play a major role in Europe’s long-term climate strategy. The supply is too small, the risks too high, and the environmental benefits too weak.

A Critical Decision Ahead

As the European Commission prepares new policies for the auto sector, it faces a difficult choice. Automakers want flexibility to keep combustion engines alive. Environmental groups want the EU to stay firm on its zero-emission vision.

The decision will shape Europe’s transport system for decades. For now, the debate continues, but the pressure on the EU is growing. T&E is urging leaders to resist industry demands and keep their focus on a cleaner, safer, and fully electric future.

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