The EU’s planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is set to be watered down, according to a senior European parliamentarian, in a move likely to anger environmental campaigners.
Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s party in the European parliament, said the European Commission is expected to soften the rule so it no longer represents a complete ban on combustion engines. Rather than requiring zero CO₂ emissions from all new cars from 2035, manufacturers would instead face a 90% fleet-wide emissions reduction target, allowing some hybrid vehicles to remain on sale.
The shift follows sustained pressure from Germany, Italy and much of the European car industry, which argue that consumer uptake of electric vehicles has been slower than anticipated and that greater flexibility is needed to protect jobs and competitiveness. Weber said the change would send an important signal to the automotive sector and help secure tens of thousands of industrial roles.
Environmental groups and some manufacturers, including Volvo and Polestar, have criticised the proposal, warning it risks weakening the EU’s green deal and giving an advantage to Chinese electric carmakers. The European Commission said the 2035 deadline is still under discussion, acknowledging growing demands for more flexibility in emissions targets.
