The European Union’s planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is expected to be watered down, according to a senior member of the European parliament, in a move likely to anger environmental campaigners.
Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s party, said the European Commission is poised to drop the effective ban on combustion engines. Rather than requiring all new cars to have zero CO₂ emissions from 2035, carmakers would instead face a 90% reduction target across their fleets, allowing some hybrid vehicles to remain on sale.
The proposed shift follows lobbying from Germany, Italy and major automotive manufacturers, who argue that electric vehicle uptake has been slower than anticipated and that greater flexibility is needed to protect jobs. Weber said the change would send an important signal to the industry and help secure tens of thousands of positions.
Green groups and some manufacturers, including Volvo and Polestar, have criticised the move, warning it risks undermining the EU’s flagship green deal and could strengthen Chinese competitors. The European Commission said discussions on the 2035 deadline are ongoing, amid growing calls for more flexibility in emissions rules.
