Carmakers will still be able to sell combustion engines in the European Union beyond 2035, with the European Commission confirming that it will water down its original targets.
Under current legislation, manufacturers have been told to reduce the total tailpipe emissions of their products by 100% from 2035 onwards, effectively banning hybrids and pure combustion cars.
But after plenty of lobbying from Europe’s largest carmakers and some national governments, the European Commission has now proposed altering that figure to a 90% reduction in tailpipe emissions compared to 2021.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
Lexus PH breaks ground in Sgt. Esguerra, Quezon City
The eight-month EDSA Rehab Project will start on Dec. 24, 2025
That means a few combustion-engined cars will be able to remain on sale, although the proposal does still require approval from the European Parliament. Carmakers not hitting a 100% reduction will have to offset the remaining 10% by using low-carbon steel made in Europe and CO2-neutral fuels.
At the same time, the Commission also proposed ‘super credits’ for anyone building small electric cars that are under 4.2m in length, made in the EU, and cost between €15,000 (around P1.031 million) and €20,000 (around P1.375 million). Essentially, the sale of one of these cars will count as 1.3 cars towards the emissions target for manufacturers.
NOTE: This story first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
