EU Rethinks 2035 Petrol and Diesel Car Ban After Pressure From Automakers

Post by : Saif Nasser

The European Union is preparing to rethink one of its most ambitious climate policies after growing pressure from major carmakers and powerful member states. According to officials and industry sources, the European Commission is expected to announce changes to the plan that would end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. This decision could mark the biggest step back from the EU’s green agenda in the last five years.

The original rule, approved in 2023, aimed to make all new cars and vans sold in the EU carbon-free by 2035. The goal was to push the car industry fully toward electric vehicles and cleaner technologies. However, Germany, Italy, and several large European automakers have argued that the target is too strict and risks damaging the region’s car industry at a time of fierce global competition.

Officials say the EU may delay the ban by five years or soften it in a way that allows combustion engines to stay on the roads for much longer. Leaders from traditional car companies such as Volkswagen and Stellantis have said that European firms are struggling to compete with cheaper electric cars from China and with strong U.S. rivals. They argue that consumers are still hesitant to buy electric cars because prices are high and charging stations are not yet widespread enough.

Some European politicians have openly criticised the ban. Manfred Weber, a senior figure in the European Parliament, called it a serious industrial mistake. He and others believe the EU pushed too fast without fully considering how ready the market and consumers really are.

Not everyone agrees with easing the rules. Electric vehicle makers and clean transport groups warn that changing course now could slow Europe’s shift to cleaner transport and hand more advantage to China, which is already far ahead in electric vehicle production. Leaders in the EV sector say the technology is ready, charging networks are improving, and customers are slowly adapting. They fear that policy uncertainty will scare away investment and delay progress.

Automakers are now pushing for a more flexible approach. Many want to keep selling petrol and diesel cars alongside hybrids and vehicles that use so-called carbon-neutral fuels, such as biofuels and e-fuels. EU leaders, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have shown some openness to these ideas, saying advanced fuels could play a role in the transition.

The debate has exposed deep divisions within Europe. Environmental groups say biofuels are limited, expensive, and not truly climate-friendly. They argue that sticking to the 2035 deadline is essential if Europe wants to meet its climate goals and protect the environment for future generations.

At the same time, the Commission is working on plans to increase electric vehicle use in company fleets, which make up most new car sales in Europe. Automakers prefer incentives and tax benefits rather than strict targets, pointing to countries like Belgium where subsidies have helped boost EV sales.

The expected announcement reflects the difficult balance the EU faces between protecting its climate ambitions and supporting its industrial base. Whatever decision is made, it will shape the future of Europe’s car industry, its climate goals, and its place in the global race for clean technology.