In a stunning betrayal of the climate fight, the European Union has quietly walked back its landmark 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars – a policy once hailed as a historic milestone against global warming. On December 16, 2025, the European Commission announced it will only require a 90% cut in tailpipe emissions by 2035, allowing a limited number of combustion-engine vehicles to remain on sale through various "compensation" schemes. This dramatic U-turn comes amid intense pressure from struggling European automakers facing fierce Chinese competition and sluggish EV sales. Environmentalists are furious, while industry insiders celebrate a lifeline. (Official EU Commission announcement)
The Shocking Reversal That Changes Everything
The original 2035 rule was meant to force a complete shift to zero-emission vehicles, effectively banning new petrol, diesel, and even many hybrids. It was celebrated worldwide as bold leadership in the battle against climate change.
Now, that ironclad commitment is gone. Carmakers can sell combustion-engine cars beyond 2035 as long as the remaining 10% of emissions are "compensated" – through credits, offsets, or technologies like plug-in hybrids and range extenders. This isn't just a tweak; it's a full retreat that keeps polluting engines alive for years longer.
Why the Sudden Betrayal?
European automakers have been sounding the alarm for months. Slow EV adoption, massive Chinese competition, and billions lost on electric transitions left giants like Volkswagen, Stellantis, and BMW on the brink. Lobbying was relentless – backed by powerful governments like Germany and Italy.
The result? Brussels caved. In exchange for survival of the auto industry and hundreds of thousands of jobs, the EU sacrificed one of its flagship green policies. Critics call it industrial blackmail; supporters say it's pragmatic realism in a brutal market.
What the New Rules Really Mean
Here's the breakdown of the Commission's shocking new proposal:
- 90% emissions reduction target instead of 100% – leaving room for combustion engines.
- Compensation mechanisms allowing offsets for the remaining 10% through credits and low-carbon tech.
- Plug-in hybrids and range extenders explicitly permitted past 2035.
- Extra flexibility for small "affordable" EVs and corporate fleets to ease the transition.
- No technology ban – combustion engines live on indefinitely if emissions are managed.
A Devastating Blow to the Climate Fight
This betrayal couldn't come at a worse time. Scientists warn we are running out of time to limit catastrophic warming, yet the EU – once a global climate leader – is weakening its own rules to protect corporate profits.
Environmental groups are outraged, accusing Brussels of "flogging a dead horse" and diverting billions away from true zero-emission progress. Air quality, public health, and future generations pay the price while Big Auto gets another reprieve.
Who Wins and Who Loses?
Winners:
- European car giants finally get breathing room to keep selling profitable combustion models.
- Drivers who love traditional engines and worry about EV range, cost, and charging.
- Countries with huge auto sectors (Germany, Italy, France) protecting jobs and factories.
Losers:
- The planet – delayed emissions cuts make climate targets harder to hit.
- EV pioneers who invested heavily expecting a level playing field.
- Everyone breathing polluted air while combustion engines linger longer.
The Real Story Behind the Headlines
This isn't just policy adjustment – it's proof that when push comes to shove, economic interests trump environmental promises. The 2035 ban was sold as non-negotiable. Now it's negotiable. What other "ironclad" climate commitments will crumble next under industry pressure?
Europe's drivers may celebrate cheaper options and familiar engines, but the cost could be a hotter, more dangerous world. The betrayal is complete – and the consequences are only beginning.
Original article: EU Ditches 2035 Petrol Ban to Save Big Auto! on Planet Today 🚀
Automatically republished from the main blog.