EU scales back 2035 petrol and diesel car ban to 90% zero-emission requirement
The European Union has revised its landmark 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, reducing the zero-emissions requirement from 100% to 90%. This adjustment allows up to 10% of vehicle production beyond 2035 to be non-zero-emission models, including plug-in hybrids, range extenders, mild hybrids, and internal combustion engines. These non-zero-emission vehicles must be offset by factory-level green initiatives, such as using European green steel or biofuels in non-electric vehicles.
Additionally, the emission reductions target for electric vans by 2030 has been lowered from 50% to 40%. This move is largely attributed to lobbying efforts from Germany and Italy, led by Chancellor Merz and Prime Minister Meloni, and is viewed as a win for the European car industry amid growing competition from Chinese manufacturers.
The Green Party in the European Parliament has criticized the changes, describing them as gutting flagship environmental legislation. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that Europe remains at the forefront of the clean transition, noting that the proposals would require support from the European Parliament following consultations with industry and stakeholders.
To encourage electric vehicle adoption, the new measures introduce 'super credits' that count each small electric car as 1.3 vehicles toward emissions quotas until 2035. This strategy aims to boost electric vehicle use particularly through large corporate buyers and fleets, which also influence the secondhand vehicle market.
