Source: European Parliament
Question for oral answer O-000012/2024
to the Commission
Rule 142
Christine Anderson, Ivan David, Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik, Marcin Sypniewski, Stanisław Tyszka, René Aust
on behalf of the ESN Group
It would be extremely challenging to replace internal combustion engines in rescue vehicles, especially during crises like the recent floods in eastern Europe. Internal combustion engines provide high power and reliability, both of which are crucial for coping with extreme conditions such as deep water, debris and unpredictable terrain. Electric or alternative-fuel vehicles often face limitations in range, refueling infrastructure and battery life. During emergencies, vehicles must be able to deploy rapidly and refuel quickly in remote or damaged areas, and current electric-vehicle technology struggles to meet these demands. Moreover, rescue operations often involve heavy-duty equipment, which requires sustained power output – something for which internal combustion engines are well suited. The current technological level of electric vehicles is not sufficient: further advances in battery technology, faster recharging, and guaranteed resilience in harsh environments are required.
Hence the question:
Catastrophic floods have shown that rescue work cannot be carried out without vehicles with internal combustion engines. Is the Commission aware that banning the sale of cars with internal combustion engines will paralyse the fire, ambulance and police services, as well as the military, and that it would no longer be possible to deploy these emergency services to save the lives, health and property of citizens and the public sector in the event of natural disasters?
Submitted: 4.10.2024
Lapses: 5.1.2025