Breaking News: The EU's 2035 Deadline for Petrol and Diesel Cars is Under Review!
It seems the ambitious plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 is facing a potential U-turn. A prominent member of the European Parliament has revealed that the European Union is likely to soften its stance on this crucial environmental regulation. This decision, expected to be announced by the European Commission, has the potential to stir significant controversy.
The original deal, approved just two years ago, mandated that all new cars entering the market from 2035 must have zero CO2 emissions. This effectively meant the end of the road for both hybrid vehicles and those running solely on fossil fuels.
However, according to Manfred Weber, a key figure in the European Parliament, the 2035 cutoff date will be adjusted. He stated that the ban on combustion engines is no longer on the table, which means that engines currently manufactured in Germany can continue to be produced and sold.
This shift is a win for those who have been lobbying for a change, including the German chancellor and the Italian prime minister, along with much of the car industry. They argue that it provides European carmakers with more time to transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
But here's where it gets controversial... This change isn't universally welcomed. Some car manufacturers, like Volvo and Polestar, are against it, fearing that it could give an advantage to their Chinese competitors.
Weber believes this rule change will be a significant signal to the automotive industry, safeguarding numerous jobs. He suggests the EU may allow the continued sale of plug-in hybrid cars, including powerful hybrids with long ranges, but with backup combustion engines for longer journeys. He mentioned that a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions will be mandatory for car manufacturers' fleet targets from 2035, instead of 100%.
A European Commission spokesperson confirmed that the 2035 deadline is still under discussion. The commission president has indicated a demand for more flexibility on CO2 targets. Major automakers such as Volkswagen, Stellantis, Renault, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW have also advocated for dropping the ban, citing slower-than-expected consumer adoption of EVs.
In addition, the EU is reportedly planning incentives to encourage Europeans to produce and purchase small EVs. These incentives, inspired by Japan's model, could include tax breaks and lower insurance costs for owners of small, lightweight electric vehicles.
And this is the part most people miss... Norway, a leader in EV adoption, has successfully driven the adoption of zero-emission cars through VAT and purchase tax exemptions, as well as reduced road toll fees. This has resulted in over 90% of new cars sold in 2025 being electric. In stark contrast, Southern Europe faces a slower EV adoption rate due to a lack of infrastructure and incentives.
In Norway, almost 30% of all cars are now electric, compared to Italy, where numbers are growing but still account for only 12% of the market, according to November figures.
What do you think? Will this change benefit the automotive industry, or will it hinder the transition to a greener future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
