Overview
- The European Commission confirmed its announcement on the 2035 rules is now due on December 16 after a delay, with timing still described as fluid.
- Multiple commissioners have reportedly signaled openness to allowing combustion cars after 2035 if powered by biofuels or e‑fuels, with one saying the EU is “open to all technologies.”
- Six prime ministers from Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria wrote to Ursula von der Leyen urging allowances for plug‑in hybrids, range extenders and fuel cells beyond 2035.
- Carmakers and major rental and leasing firms, including BMW, Toyota, Arval, Ayvens, Avis, Bolt and Hertz, asked the Commission to avoid mandatory EV targets for corporate fleets, citing costs and sparse charging.
- An EY report indicates consumer preference has swung back toward combustion vehicles, reinforcing industry warnings about slow EV uptake and intensifying competitive pressure from Chinese brands.