EU Eases 2035 Ban on Internal Combustion Cars Amid Economic Growth

The EU is easing its planned 2035 ban on internal combustion cars by allowing a limited number of low-emission engines. According to Slashdot, this adjustment will enable automakers to continue selling certain plug-in hybrids that combine electric and internal combustion engines.

The EU's new proposal aims to modify the 2023 legislation that mandated zero average emissions in new cars, shifting the requirement to a 90% emissions reduction. This change is expected to provide flexibility for manufacturers while still promoting progress towards the EU's climate neutrality goal by 2050.

Notably, automakers will need to offset any additional emissions by utilizing European steel produced through lower-emission methods and by using climate-neutral e-fuels. EU officials assert that this revision will not hinder the bloc's environmental objectives.

Meanwhile, economic forecasts from Euronews indicate varying growth rates across European economies, with the eurozone's real GDP growth projected to ease from 1.3% in 2025 to 1.2% in 2026. This economic backdrop highlights the delicate balance the EU is trying to strike between environmental goals and economic growth amidst shifting macroeconomic conditions.