8 months ago
EU Reconsiders 2035 Combustion Car Ban
The European Union is thinking about changing its rule that says no new cars with combustion engines can be sold after 2035.
This change is because some countries and car companies, like Volkswagen and Fiat, think it's too hard to meet this rule right now.
They say that people aren't buying enough electric cars and that there aren't enough places to charge them.
But some people, like electric car companies and environmental groups, think this is a bad idea.
They say that electric cars are the future and that the EU should stick to its original plan.
The EU is also thinking about making some new rules to help more electric cars be used in company cars and to make smaller electric cars cheaper.
The EU is expected to reverse its 2035 ban on new combustion-engine cars, pushing it back by five years or softening it indefinitely.
Traditional automakers like Volkswagen and Fiat-owner Stellantis support the change, citing competition from Chinese and U.S. rivals.
The EV sector and environmental groups oppose the change, arguing that electric cars are the future and that biofuels are not a viable solution.
The EU is also considering new rules to boost the share of EVs in corporate fleets and to create a new category for small EVs with lower taxes.
The 2023 law was designed to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, but European carmakers lag behind Tesla and Chinese producers.
- Who
- European Commission, Germany, Italy, European automakers, EV sector, environmental groups
- What
- Reconsideration of the 2035 combustion car ban
- Where
- European Union
- When
- Expected to be unveiled on Tuesday, December 16, 2025
- Why
- Pressure from automakers and countries struggling against Chinese and U.S. rivals
Key facts
- Current Ban Year
- 2035
- Proposed Change
- Push back by 5 years or soften indefinitely
- Key Supporters of Change
- Germany, Italy, European automakers
- Opposing View
- EV sector and environmental groups
- EU's Reason for Change
- Struggle against Chinese and U.S. rivals
- EV Market Share
- European carmakers lag behind Tesla and Chinese producers
- Proposed New Category
- Small EVs with lower taxes and extra credits
- Corporate Fleet Share
- About 60% of Europe's new car sales
Quotes
Manfred Weber
Senior EU lawmaker and president of the largest party in the European Parliament, the EPP
“The European Commission would move to scrap plans for an effective ban on new combustion engine cars from 2035.”
republicworld.com
Stellantis
Owner of Fiat-to-Maserati
“The industry risks an 'irreversible decline' without help.”
republicworld.com
