The European Commission has revised its proposal to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035. Under the new plan, 90% of new cars sold from that date must be zero-emission, an adjustment from the previous 100% target. The remaining 10% may comprise conventional internal combustion engine vehicles and hybrids.
The change follows lobbying from manufacturers, particularly in Germany, who cited low market demand. According to the ACEA, manufacturers risk substantial penalties without greater flexibility. Sigrid de Vries, director general at ACEA, stated: “2030 is around the corner, and market demand is too low to avoid the risk of multi-billion-euro penalties for manufacturers.” She added: “Policy makers must provide breathing space to manufacturers to sustain jobs, innovation and investments.”
To offset emissions, the Commission expects increased use of biofuels and e-fuels. Volkswagen welcomed the draft, calling it “economically sound overall” and stating: “Opening up the market to vehicles with combustion engines while compensating for emissions is pragmatic and in line with market conditions.” However, Volvo warned: “Weakening long-term commitments for short-term gain risks undermining Europe’s competitiveness for years to come.”
In the UK, the group T&E UK urged the government to maintain its Zero Emission Vehicles Mandate. Director Anna Krajinska said: “The UK must stand firm. Our ZEV mandate is already driving jobs, investment and innovation into the UK.”
Source: BBC News
