The EU's softening of its stance on post-2035 car emissions rules has sparked a heated debate, particularly in Germany. The proposed changes, which aim to foster a more flexible and technology-neutral approach to reducing emissions, have drawn mixed reactions from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European carmakers. While Merz and the car industry welcome the move towards greater openness and flexibility, the German car industry association VDA has criticized the proposal as disappointing and fatal, warning of new requirements that could burden manufacturers.
The revised proposal, which still requires approval from EU member states and the European Parliament, replaces the 2035 deadline for combustion engines with a 90% reduction in tailpipe emissions. The remaining 10% can be offset through the use of low-carbon EU steel, e-fuels, or biofuels. It also includes incentives to boost the bloc's battery industry, a move that has been met with both praise and concern.
The European Commission's proposal comes after intense lobbying from Germany and Italy, as well as many European automakers, against a backdrop of sluggish car sales, growing competition from Chinese electric vehicles, and a trade war with the United States. The Commission argues that the plans are consistent with the EU's 2050 climate targets but take a pragmatic approach, allowing for a broader role for plug-in hybrids, range extenders, and internal combustion engine vehicles alongside battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Other key flexibilities include lowering the 2030 CO2 reduction target for vans to 40% from 50%, introducing super credits for small, affordable electric cars, and setting mandatory national targets for zero- or low-emission corporate fleets. These targets will be tailored to each member state, with national authorities choosing how best to meet them.
However, the proposal has faced criticism from German environment minister Carsten Schneider, who argues that it gives Chinese electric carmakers an early advantage and undermines Europe's climate goals. Martin Kaiser, head of Greenpeace Germany, shares this concern, suggesting that the EU is sacrificing its climate ambitions. The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) also warns that the proposals could slow the momentum of Europe's EV market at a time when global car electrification is accelerating.
A recent survey by German public broadcaster ARD reveals a significant majority in Germany believes the EU should abandon its 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, with 67% opposing the ban and 28% supporting it. This public sentiment highlights the complex and contentious nature of the debate, as the EU grapples with balancing environmental goals with economic realities and technological advancements.
