A bold plan by the European Union to effectively ban the sale of new vehicles with petrol and diesel engines – which would have included hybrid cars – appears to have been abandoned.
According to Germany’s Bild newspaper, and subsequently Reuters, a senior German lawmaker has revealed the plan – which would have required all new cars sold in Europe from 2035 to be zero-emissions and therefore effectively electric vehicles (EVs) – won’t be proceeding.
Instead, a 90 per cent reduction in tailpipe emissions will reportedly be required, likely forcing automakers to fit hybrid technology in petrol and diesel models.
“For new registrations from 2035 onwards, a 90 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions will now be mandatory for car manufacturers’ fleet targets, instead of 100 per cent,” politician Mandred Weber told Bild, according to Automotive News.
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“There will also be no 100 per cent target from 2040 onwards. This means that the technology ban on combustion engines is off the table.”
Mr Weber’s comments directly contradict recent media reports out of Europe suggesting the ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE) powered cars would be extended by five years, to 2040.
Leaders of six European countries had been lobbying the European Commission – the legislative arm of the European Union – to wind back the 2035 ban, with a letter signed by Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Czechia, and Bulgaria calling for the inclusion of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), and hydrogen fuel-cell (FCEV) cars.
The Volkswagen Group, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Renault Group, and Stellantis – the parent company of 14 auto brands including Alfa Romeo, Jeep, and Peugeot – have also been actively lobbying against the proposed plan.
Insiders appear to have been aware the change was coming, with earlier industry reports claiming several European car manufacturers had contacted key parts suppliers in recent days, informing them to prepare to continue production beyond 2035.
Separately, the European Commission is set to unveil new rules designed to promote the transition away from fossil fuels used in the automotive industry, with changes expected to be introduced to the way fuel economy and emissions are calculated for PHEVs.
