The European Commission was expected today to outline changes to the European Union (EU) law that required all new cars and vans sold from 2035 to be CO2 emission-free, after intense pressure from Germany, Italy and parts of the auto industry, Reuters reported.
EU officials were still finalising the details ahead of the announcement, but options under discussion included pushing back the effective start date by five years or weakening the rule without setting a firm deadline, Reuters said.
Manfred Weber, head of the European Parliament’s largest group, the European People’s Party (EPP), said the Commission would put forward a proposal to abolish the ban on internal combustion engines (ICE), calling it a serious industrial policy mistake.
The sector remained split. Carmakers such as Volkswagen and Fiat-owner Stellantis had pushed for easier targets amid tougher competition, while EV-focused players warned a retreat would undermine investment and leave Europe further behind in electrification.
The Commission was also expected to detail steps to lift EV uptake in corporate fleets and to widen the scope for alternative fuels such as e-fuels and advanced biofuels.
