Diesel Cars Will Not Disappear in 2035: Brussels Takes a Step Back

The European Union is stepping back from a policy that would have pushed new petrol and diesel cars off the market from 2035. Brussels now proposes a more flexible emissions target, allowing combustion engines to remain alongside electric, hybrid and, eventually, hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Under the previous rules, manufacturers would have had to achieve a 100% reduction in CO2 emissions from new cars and vans by 2035. In practice, that would have ended sales of new vehicles powered exclusively by petrol or diesel. It would not have stopped people from driving cars already on the road after 2035.

The European Commission has proposed lowering the 2035 target to a 90% reduction in tailpipe emissions. Manufacturers could compensate for the remaining 10% through other mechanisms, including sustainable fuels and low-carbon steel produced in Europe. That would leave room for combustion-engine vehicles, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids, to continue appearing on the market.

The revision follows repeated pressure from Germany, Italy and other major players in the auto industry, as well as Poland and the Czech Republic. The sector is facing slowing demand for electric vehicles, high costs, heavy investment in electrification and stronger competition.

Agriculture analyst Cezar Gheorghe said the change restored a technology-neutral approach rather than imposing a single route to climate targets. “The consumer chooses,” he said, arguing that petrol, diesel, electric and hydrogen options would remain available.

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The consumer chooses.