Europe Goes Off the Deep End: EU to Revisit Gas and Diesel Car Ban Ahead of Schedule
Only cars running on eco-fuels may remain legal after 2035.
The European Commission has decided to accelerate its review of the planned 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE) car sales. Originally scheduled for 2026, the discussions have been moved up to late this year.
The shift comes after Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with top executives from leading automakers. The talks lasted several hours, and another round is planned before December.
One proposal would allow ICE cars to remain on sale after 2035 if they run on “carbon-neutral” fuels. Hybrids and range-extended EVs could also stay on the market alongside fully electric vehicles.
Automakers argue that phasing out gas and diesel engines so soon is premature. BMW has stated that Europe isn’t yet ready for a full switch to EVs, predicting that even in 2030, half of its sales will still be ICE vehicles. Manufacturers also warn that an abrupt transition could cost tens of thousands of jobs and that charging infrastructure will remain insufficient for years.
BMW CEO Oliver Zipse, speaking at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, cautioned that a hasty ban “could destroy the industry.” Mercedes chief Ola Källenius echoed the concern, warning that Europe’s auto sector could “collapse” by 2035 if the plans remain unchanged.
At the same time, brands like Volvo, Polestar, and Kia continue to support a strict timeline for achieving zero-emission fleets.
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