Seven countries ask EU executive to revoke 2035 diesel and petrol ban

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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Seven EU member states — Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Slovakia — are pressing the European Commission to reconsider the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars
• They want hybrids, hydrogen cars and biofuel-powered engines to remain allowed beyond 2035, arguing Europe’s auto sector risks losing global competitiveness without a more flexible approach

🔭 The context: Europe’s EV rollout is slowing amid high energy costs, battery shortages and insufficient charging infrastructure
• Meanwhile, Chinese EV brands such as BYD are increasing exports and undercutting EU manufacturers on price
• Tesla registrations have also fallen sharply across Europe, reflecting a broader demand slump
• Lawmakers and industry groups say the current regulation focuses on supply (carmakers) rather than the real barriers: demand, grid readiness and charging networks

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Road transport represents ~25% of EU emissions, making car decarbonisation central to EU climate goals
• Reopening the 2035 ICE phase-out risks slower emissions cuts and could weaken regulatory certainty for clean-tech investments
• Supporters of the change argue that “technology neutrality”, allowing hybrids and synthetic fuels, may produce a more socially acceptable and economically resilient transition, especially for lower-income consumers and industrial regions

⏭️ What’s next: The European Commission is expected to propose revisions to CO₂ standards for cars and vans, though officials may delay the announcement
• The decision will determine whether the EU maintains a firm 2035 zero-emission target or shifts toward a multi-technology pathway under mounting industrial and political pressure

💬 One quote: “The 2035 target is no longer realistic,” warns ACEA director general Sigrid de Vries, citing inadequate infrastructure and weak consumer demand.

📈 One stat: Tesla registrations dropped over 50% in France and Sweden this year — illustrating the intensifying competition reshaping Europe’s auto market

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