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EU 2035 Combustion Engine Ban Faces Delay Pressure

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  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. -combustion-engine-ban-faces-delay-pressure.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, December 27th 2025 at 16:58 GMT by reuters.com

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EU Auto Emissions Target in Jeopardy: Pressure Mounts to Delay 2035 Ban on Combustion Engines

The European Union's ambitious plan to effectively ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel-powered cars by 2035 is facing increasing pressure, with reports suggesting a potential delay or significant modification may be necessary. According to a report published Sunday in Welt am Sonntag, a German newspaper, several EU member states are pushing for a review of the existing regulations, raising serious questions about the feasibility and political viability of the current trajectory. This internal struggle highlights the complex challenges inherent in implementing aggressive climate policies within a diverse bloc of nations with varying economic interests and industrial landscapes.

The Current Target & Its Context

To understand the potential shift, it's crucial to recap the existing framework. In 2023, the EU agreed on stringent regulations requiring new cars sold from 2035 onwards to have zero tailpipe emissions. This effectively meant phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles – those powered by gasoline and diesel – as manufacturers would be unlikely to continue investing in technology that couldn't meet these requirements. The target was lauded internationally as a bold step towards decarbonizing the transportation sector, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. It aimed for a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions from new vehicles compared to 2021 levels.

However, the regulations aren’t entirely absolute. A loophole exists allowing continued sales of ICE vehicles if they use “technologically neutral” fuels like synthetic e-fuels or biofuels. These fuels are produced using captured carbon dioxide and renewable energy sources. The initial understanding was that these fuels would be a relatively minor component in achieving the overall emissions reduction goals, but recent developments have dramatically shifted this perspective.

The Rising Pressure & Member State Concerns

The Welt am Sonntag report indicates that countries including Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary are leading the charge for a review of the 2035 target. Their concerns primarily revolve around the viability and affordability of electric vehicles (EVs) for consumers and the potential economic impact on their domestic auto industries. Germany, in particular, is a major automotive powerhouse, and its industry has voiced anxieties about the rapid transition to EVs, citing issues with charging infrastructure, battery supply chains, and the cost of producing EVs that are accessible to a broad range of buyers.

The push for reconsideration isn't solely about outright abandonment of the goal; rather, it focuses on creating more flexibility within the regulations. Specifically, these nations want to clarify the rules surrounding e-fuels and ensure they can be considered compliant with the emissions standards even if they aren’t entirely produced within the EU. They argue that restricting access to alternative fuels would unfairly disadvantage manufacturers reliant on them and limit consumer choice.

Italy's concerns are similar, reflecting a desire for more time and flexibility to adapt its automotive sector to the new regulations. Poland and Romania, heavily reliant on coal-fired power plants, also express reservations about accelerating the EV transition without sufficient investment in renewable energy infrastructure to ensure that EVs aren’t simply shifting emissions elsewhere. Slovakia and Hungary share these broader concerns regarding economic impact and consumer affordability.

The Role of E-Fuels & Technological Neutrality

The debate around e-fuels is central to this potential policy shift. Proponents argue that they offer a pathway for existing ICE vehicles to remain on the road while significantly reducing their carbon footprint, particularly in niche applications like aviation or heavy goods transport where electrification poses significant challenges. They also suggest it allows manufacturers to continue producing familiar engine technologies, potentially easing the transition and maintaining jobs.

However, critics contend that e-fuels are currently expensive to produce and require vast amounts of renewable energy – resources which could be better utilized directly in powering EVs. Furthermore, concerns exist about the true carbon neutrality of some e-fuel production processes if they rely on unsustainable practices or questionable carbon capture methods. The European Commission is now under pressure to provide a clearer definition of "technologically neutral" and establish strict sustainability criteria for e-fuels to prevent greenwashing and ensure genuine emissions reductions.

Potential Outcomes & Future Implications

The coming months are crucial as the EU grapples with this internal conflict. Several outcomes are possible:

• Full Reversal: While unlikely given the broader political commitments to climate action, a complete abandonment of the 2035 target remains a theoretical possibility.
• Significant Modification: This seems the most probable scenario. It could involve allowing continued sales of ICE vehicles using approved e-fuels with strict sustainability standards, or introducing a "grandfathering" clause that allows for limited exemptions based on specific national circumstances.
• Clarification & Tightening: The Commission might choose to clarify existing regulations around e-fuels and tighten the criteria for their approval, effectively limiting their role while maintaining the overall 2035 target.
• Delayed Implementation: A postponement of the full implementation date could also be considered, providing manufacturers with more time to adapt.

Regardless of the outcome, this debate underscores the inherent difficulties in implementing ambitious climate policies within a diverse political and economic landscape. The pressure from member states highlights the need for flexibility and pragmatism while ensuring that environmental goals are not compromised. The EU's actions will have significant repercussions globally, influencing auto industry investment patterns and shaping the future of transportation worldwide. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of considering socioeconomic factors alongside environmental imperatives in climate policy design.

I hope this article provides a comprehensive summary and analysis of the Reuters report. Let me know if you'd like any further elaboration or adjustments!