The Utopia of 'Technological Neutrality'
The article critiques the concept of 'technological neutrality' in the context of the European Green Deal, arguing it undermines the automotive industry.
The article discusses the notion of 'technological neutrality' as it pertains to the European automotive industry and its laws aimed at promoting environmentally friendly vehicles. It suggests that the concept is fundamentally flawed and questions the viability of electric vehicles as the sole solution to achieving sustainable transportation. The author points out that the 'Fit-for-55' package of the Green Deal, which sets strict emissions targets, has effectively sidelined the automotive industry by forcing it down a path that may not align with market realities or consumer preferences.
It also elaborates on the implications of the Europarliament's regulations, which dictate that by 2035, all new cars must be zero-emission and free of CO2 emissions. This deadline, the article argues, is not only ambitious but also impractical given the average lifespan of a car, which is approximately 15 years. Therefore, the author posits that beginning these transitions from 2035 will create significant challenges in reaching the 2050 goal of achieving zero emissions in the transport sector, indicating a potential disconnect between regulatory ambitions and practical execution.
Ultimately, the article raises concerns about the feasibility of reaching these environmental goals through a one-size-fits-all regulatory framework. The critique emphasizes the need for a more nuanced approach that considers various technologies and consumer needs rather than solely promoting electric vehicles, which may not be the answer to all environmental challenges in the automotive sector.