Overview
- European People’s Party leader Manfred Weber said the Commission will propose scrapping the 100% zero‑emission sales requirement and set a 90% fleet CO2 reduction for 2035.
- The European Commission confirmed any policy announcement will come on Dec. 16, with details still to be formally presented and adopted.
- The change would remove a hard technology ban and could permit plug‑in hybrids, range‑extender vehicles and potentially alternative fuels beyond 2035.
- Germany and Italy pressed for more flexibility to protect jobs and competitiveness against Chinese EVs, while Spain’s Pedro Sánchez urged Brussels in a letter not to weaken the rule.
- Automakers are split, with Volkswagen, Stellantis, Renault, Mercedes‑Benz and BMW favoring a rollback and Volvo and Polestar warning it would undercut Europe’s EV transition; reports also point to possible incentives for small Europe‑made EVs and knock‑on effects for UK timelines under discussion.