EU drops 2035 combustion engine ban

The European Commission proposed to lift the 2035 ban on new combustion-engine cars, allowing sales of certain non-electric vehicles. This shift follows pressure from Germany, Italy, and the auto sector amid competition with Tesla and Chinese manufacturers.

The new target aims for a 90% CO2 emissions cut instead of the previous 100%. Automakers must offset the remaining emissions using lower-carbon materials and biofuels.

The plan allows a three-year period for car manufacturers to reduce emissions by 55%, while vans' targets ease to 40%. Critics warn that relaxing these targets might hinder Europe's progress in the electric vehicle market, with concerns over competition from China growing.