The EU’s planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is expected to be softened, according to a senior European parliamentarian, in a move likely to anger environmental campaigners.
Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s party, said the European Commission is preparing to move away from a full ban on combustion engines. Instead of requiring all new cars to have zero CO₂ emissions from 2035, manufacturers would face a 90% fleet-wide emissions reduction target, allowing some hybrid vehicles to remain on sale.
The proposed shift follows lobbying from Germany, Italy and much of the European car industry, which argue that electric vehicle uptake has been slower than anticipated and that greater flexibility is needed to protect jobs. Weber said the change would secure tens of thousands of roles in the automotive sector.
Green groups and some manufacturers, including Volvo and Polestar, oppose the move, warning it risks undermining the EU’s green deal and strengthening Chinese competitors. The European Commission said the 2035 deadline is still under discussion, citing growing demands for more flexibility on emissions targets.
