Particle.news
Download on the App Store

EU Poised to Ease 2035 Car CO2 Rule as Critics Warn of Risks

Any change would still face a long approval process in Parliament and the Council.

Overview

  • The European Commission says it will present draft revisions on Tuesday, while a 90% fleet‑reduction target touted by EPP leader Manfred Weber remains unconfirmed by the EU executive.
  • Top economists including Monika Schnitzer warn a rollback would not fix automakers’ challenges or protect German jobs and could undermine long‑term competitiveness.
  • Transport & Environment argues a 90% goal could leave a large share of 2035 sales as plug‑in hybrids, which it says deliver limited real‑world emissions cuts.
  • Industry figures and parts of the German government back more flexibility, pressing for allowances for hybrids, range extenders and potentially alternative fuels.
  • Any proposal must be negotiated by the European Parliament and EU member states over months, as EV adoption remains modest in Germany at about two million BEVs, roughly 4% of the passenger fleet.