LKQ joins eFuel Alliance
LKQ Europe has joined the Berlin-based eFuel Alliance, which supports the use of climate-neutral fuels to achieve climate targets in Europe.
Arnd Franz, CEO of LKQ Europe, said: “Synthetic fuels are a meaningful addition to electromobility to achieve an immediate reduction in vehicle fleet CO2 emissions. These fuels can make an ecologically and economically significant contribution to climate protection.”
According to LKQ, CO2 savings for new vehicles and the trend towards electromobility alone will not meet the EU’s climate targets by 2030. It believes synthetic fuels are essential to sustainably run existing fleet, as the combustion engine will continue to dominate for many years to come.
E-fuels do not require new fueling station infrastructure or new powertrains, making them a consumer-friendly alternative to the rather high investment required to purchase an e-vehicle. In addition, the range, charging times and charging options are not yet practical for many drivers.
Franz said: “Especially in regions with weak infrastructure, the combustion engine remains fundamentally important. With a balanced European promotion concept, the use of e-fuels as climate-neutral e-diesel or e-gasoline could make a significant and cost-effective contribution to CO2 reduction.
“As a member of the eFuel Alliance, we can work with a strong and influential community of interests in Europe for the success of the energy transition. The acceptance of e-fuels as an essential part of European climate policy is the most important goal of the initiative, along with the industrial production of synthetic fuels from renewable energies.
Andy Hamilton, CEO of LKQ Euro Car Parts in the UK and Ireland, added: “Here and across Europe, the direction of travel on emissions is clear, but a single-minded focus on transitioning to battery-powered vehicles won’t be enough to meet the targets that have been set.
“New diesel and petrol vehicles can still be bought and sold in this country until 2030 – and will remain on the roads for many years after that. That’s why it’s just as important to find ways of cleaning up the combustion engines in the used car market.
“While we are helping independent garages to upskill to service and repair hybrids – and longer-term, EVs – it’s important to recognise the continued role of traditional combustion engines, and the massive potential of e-fuels to deliver CO2 savings.”
