Overview
- The European Commission plans to present proposals that would shift the 2035 requirement from a 100% CO2 reduction to 90% for new cars.
- The expected package would allow post‑2035 sales of certain hybrids, range‑extender electric vehicles, and cars using biofuels or synthetic fuels.
- France signals conditional support tied to strong European content rules, citing a benchmark of 75% local value added in a letter to commissioners.
- Political positions diverge, with Germany, Italy and several Eastern states pressing for more leeway or delay, Spain favoring the original 2035 target, and Manfred Weber claiming a retreat from a full combustion ban.
- NGOs and researchers warn flexibilities could raise real‑world emissions, noting EU data showing plug‑in hybrids emit three to five times test claims, as the European Parliament prepares to vote possibly under an urgent procedure.