EU Moves to Ease 2035 Combustion-Car Rules, Opening E‑Fuel Exemptions and Possible Delay

Overview

• EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas confirmed that some internal‑combustion engines could remain on sale after 2035 if they run on synthetic fuels or advanced biofuels.
• Negotiations in Brussels include options such as a five‑year extension of the deadline or even removing the formal ban, according to people familiar with the talks.
• Berlin pressed for the shift in a letter from Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Ursula von der Leyen requesting continued approval of ICE vehicles compatible with e‑fuels and biofuels.
• The European Commission is preparing a package to boost small, Europe‑made EVs, with Bloomberg reporting draft plans for a 10‑year exemption from certain safety and emissions rules plus incentives like reserved parking and subsidies.
• Experts and NGOs warn that loosening the timeline could slow electrification, jeopardize climate targets, and deepen Europe’s disadvantage versus Tesla and Chinese EV makers.