The debate over the EU's planned ban on combustion engines by 2035 has intensified following comments from EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

She has opened the door for synthetic fuels, known as E-Fuels, which has sparked controversy among environmentalists and politicians.

Critics, including Saxony's Energy Minister Wolfram Günther, argue that E-Fuels are inefficient and would require significantly more renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines, to be viable.

Meanwhile, supporters like Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder advocate for a technology-neutral approach, emphasizing the potential of E-Fuels and hydrogen for sustainable mobility.

As the EU solidifies its stance on climate policy, the future of combustion engines and the role of E-Fuels remain hotly contested topics.