Overview
- The European Commission confirmed it will present its updated package on December 16 after postponing this week’s expected announcement.
- Several EU commissioners told Handelsblatt the framework may allow combustion engines using biofuels or e‑fuels past 2035, with Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas saying the bloc is open to all technologies.
- A coalition of six leaders from Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria urged Ursula von der Leyen to permit plug‑in hybrids, range extenders and fuel‑cell vehicles after 2035.
- Carmakers BMW and Toyota, along with major rental and leasing firms, asked Brussels not to impose mandatory EV purchase targets for corporate fleets, citing high costs and charging gaps.
- Member‑state and industry views remain split, with France and brands like Volvo and Polestar backing the original all‑electric trajectory, while reports of a shift to a 2040 deadline remain unconfirmed and based on single‑source claims.