'Not a drop of e-fuels will be left for cars after 2035', says François Bausch

In an interview with our colleagues from RTL Radio on Monday, Bausch declared, "I am certain that by 2035, the vast majority of cars on the road will be electric cars, regardless of what the European Union decided."

'Illusory' to think e-fuels will play a role in private transport

Recently, the EU agreed to phase out the sale of cars with internal combustion engines by 2035, but included a backdoor for e-fuels in response to lobbying from several member states, most notably Germany.

The Minister pointed out that first the production capacities for e-fuels will have to be created and then these types of fuels will be needed for heavy-duty transport via planes and ships. Bausch considers it "illusory" to think that there will be "even a single drop left" for private transport with cars.

In fact, Bausch even expressly cautioned consumers against assuming that they will still be able to purchase a combustion engine car after 2035 and simply run it on e-fuels.
According to the Minister, electric cars are "much more efficient," and the infrastructure required to charge them is presently being constructed. As more and more manufacturers transition to electric mobility, electric cars will likewise become less expensive over the next few years, Bausch added.

'Everyone needs to reflect on their own choices'

Everyone needs to reflect on their own choices, the minister stressed. According to the Ministry's Mobility Plan, 50% of trips in Luxembourg are shorter than five kilometres.

"At this point, we all need to ask ourselves if it truly makes sense to use a car for these trips," the Minister argued. Bausch advises instead that everyone develop the habit of "going on foot, by bike, or by public transport" for journeys under five kilometres.

The car will not become irrelevant, but it will become "one link in a longer mobility chain," Bausch added.

The government will create incentives for people to adapt their behaviour, the Minister added, citing the widening of the A3 motorway as an example. The third lane that is currently being constructed will be set aside for buses and carpooling, allowing people who take public transportation or choose to share rides to get to their destination faster.

'Major improvements' in rail service by 2025/2026

Another priority is rail transport: Every year, Luxembourg invests €600 per capita on the expansion of the rail network. In comparison, Germany only spends €105, Bausch pointed out. The Minister acknowledged that there is a lot of construction going on at once, but he predicts that by 2025 or 2026, residents will see "major improvements" in rail service.

Bausch revealed that he intends to finish his mandate until the end. The Green Party politician already announced a few years ago that he will no longer be available for a ministerial post after the 2023 elections.