EU Maintains 2035 Petrol Car Ban Despite Fierce Pushback

The need to transition away from a reliance on fossil fuels has never been clearer, and the transition to zero emission vehicles will play a critical role in quickly reducing carbon emissions and improving our energy security.

As it stands, The European Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to banning petrol and diesel cars by 2035, while offering carmakers some flexibility over the next three years to meet stricter CO₂ emission targets.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen explained that the targets remain unchanged but acknowledged the need for “breathing space” for the auto industry, which has faced declining EV sales in key markets like Germany and France.

European carmakers have lobbied intensely for regulatory relief, citing financial strain.  

– The European car industry group Acea warned of a potential €16 billion loss if penalties for missing 2025 targets were not delayed.

– Volkswagen projected a €1.5 billion financial hit this year to comply with emissions rules.

Despite these concerns, many lawmakers and EU member states back the plan, seeing it as essential to meeting the bloc’s 2050 climate neutrality goals.

Pushback from EV Leaders

Companies that have invested heavily in electric vehicles argue that any delay would undermine Europe’s climate ambitions.

– Volvo Cars CEO Jim Rowan urged the EU to resist watering down regulations, stating, “We can’t afford electrification to fail or to delay the transition.”

The Road to Green Transport

The EU aims to cut transport emissions by 90% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. Although EV sales dipped by 1.3% in 2024, electric vehicles remain less polluting than petrol cars, especially as Europe increases its share of renewable energy and enforces sustainable battery production.

While the transition faces economic and political hurdles, the EU remains steadfast in its push toward zero-emission mobility, a critical step in its Green Deal roadmap.