Move reduces obligations on car manufacturers to produce 100% zero emission vehicles beyond 2035 after heavy pressure from car industry and some EU states
The EU has confirmed it will water down its landmark 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol or diesel cars, yielding to heavy pressure from the car industry and leaders from several EU member states including Germany and Italy.
Under current legislation, manufacturers were obliged to ensure that 100% of production of cars and vans had zero emissions up to 2035.
The European Commission confirmed on Tuesday that this will now be reduced to 90%, enabling the continued manufacture of a portion of plug-in hybrid electric cars, or even combustion engines beyond 2035.
However, in a carrot-and-stick approach, the remaining 10% of assembly line output that is not carbon neutral will need to be compensated by other green measures on the factory floor, including the use of green steel made in Europe or use of biofuels in non-electric vehicles.
