EU plans to water down ban on new petrol and diesel cars

Commission proposes cutting obligation for 100% zero emission vehicles beyond 2035 to 90% after pressure from industry and some EU states

The EU has confirmed it wants to water down its 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.

Wopke Hoekstra, a European climate commissioner, described the proposals as a “win-win” situation for consumers and industry, keeping Europe on the electrification course with a series of carrot and stick measures.