Brussels is reportedly considering a significant shift in its climate policy timetable, with the planned ban on new petrol and diesel cars potentially being pushed back from 2035 to 2040.

The move, if formalised, would mark a sharp turn away from the bloc’s earlier, world-leading ambitions.

It raises fresh questions about the pace of Europe’s switch to electric vehicles (EVs) and the broader push to hit net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Hold on

According to recent reports, at least seven member states, including Germany, Italy, Poland, Bulgaria and Slovakia, have formally urged the European Commission (EC) to reconsider its 2035 ban.

Instead, they are advocating for a more “technology-neutral” policy that allows hybrids, hydrogen or e-fuel-powered cars to remain on sale beyond that date.

The arguments from industry and some governments centre on practical roadblocks: electric vehicle adoption remains sluggish in parts of Europe, while charging infrastructure, particularly in rural or poorer regions, is still far from comprehensive.

High costs, supply-chain pressures, and increasing competition from overseas automakers, particularly from China, are putting pressure on European manufacturers.

Despite the uncertainty, not all in the auto sector back the delay.

Firms such as Volvo and Polestar have warned that postponing the ban could stall EV take-up and hand a competitive edge to non-European manufacturers, such as those in China.

 

Sparking reconsideration

• Economic and industrial pressure: European carmakers argue that a hard cut-off in 2035 threatens jobs and competitiveness without a fully developed EV supply chain.

• Slow EV adoption and lacking infrastructure: In many regions, consumers remain cautious about EVs due to cost, charging availability and practicality — especially outside urban centres.

• Call for “technological neutrality”: Some governments want flexibility to allow hybrids, hydrogen, or e-fuel vehicles — arguing that these could reduce CO₂ without forcing a rapid shift to battery-electric cars.

Meanwhile, in the UK

In the UK, the current government remains committed to a tighter schedule, with a ban on new petrol and diesel cars slated for 2030 under draft policy proposals.

However, a delayed EU deadline could have significant consequences, especially given British car manufacturing’s struggles in the current economic environment.

• Export market disruption: UK manufacturers exporting to Europe might face a “dual-track” production problem — building EVs for the domestic market while continuing combustion-engine models for EU customers, raising costs and complexity.

• Investment uncertainty: Businesses and consumers in the UK could hesitate to commit to EV infrastructure or buying decisions if the EU — the UK’s biggest trading partner — softens its rules.

• Competitiveness risks: If the EU lags, the UK might lose any strategic advantage it hoped to gain by moving earlier to EVs, undermining industries reliant on early adoption.

On the other hand, supporters of stronger climate action warn that a delay across Europe would also slow progress toward long-term emissions targets.

According to environmental analysts, postponing the transition from combustion-engine vehicles could make it significantly harder for the EU, and by extension the UK, to meet its obligations under climate agreements.

 

 

Reporting back

The EC is expected to publish a new automotive support package imminently, which may formalise changes to the 2035 ICE ban.

While no official decision has been confirmed, the mounting pressure from member states and industry insiders suggests Brussels may soon adopt a revised schedule, with ripple effects across Europe, including the UK.