T&E warns the European Commission’s plan to cut CO2 from new cars by 90% in 2035 — rather than require zero emissions — could allow continued sales of combustion and plug‑in hybrid vehicles. The group estimates EVs could make up about 85% of new EU car sales by 2035, though that share might fall to 50%; a 15% non‑BEV mix is seen as most likely. T&E also says the proposal and extended 2030 timelines would raise car CO2 emissions by roughly 10% between 2025 and 2050. Final approval by the European Parliament and the Council is required.
EU Draft Could Let Combustion Cars Still Be Sold After 2035, T&E Warns
FILE PHOTO: A sign directing cars hangs from a lamp post near an electric vehicle charging station in Manchester, Britain, November 25, 2025. REUTERS/Phil Noble/File Photo
BRUSSELS — Transport & Environment (T&E), a leading clean-transport advocacy group, warns that a recent European Commission proposal would likely allow continued sales of combustion and plug‑in hybrid cars after 2035 — reducing the push to fully electrify new vehicles across the EU.
What T&E Found
In a report published on Tuesday, T&E estimates electric vehicles (EVs) could account for about 85% of new car sales by 2035 under the Commission’s draft — but that share could fall as low as 50% depending on manufacturers’ strategies. T&E identifies a 15% non‑BEV share as the most likely outcome, meaning a continued mix of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and plug‑in hybrids (PHEVs).
FILE PHOTO: New cars, among them new China-built electric vehicles of the company BYD, are seen parked in the port of Zeebrugge, Belgium, October 24, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo
Scenarios Explained
T&E’s range reflects different manufacturer behaviours: a 5% non‑BEV scenario assumes companies still offer high‑emission ICE models, while the 50% upper bound assumes heavy reliance on the most efficient extended‑range PHEVs rather than full battery EVs (BEVs).
The Commission’s Proposal
Under pressure from carmakers, the European Commission in December proposed cutting CO2 emissions from new cars and vans by 90% in 2035 relative to 2021 levels, rather than imposing a full zero‑emission mandate for all new vehicles. The Commission says the change would still support EV uptake and estimated it would save automakers about €2.1 billion ($2.5 billion) over three years — funds that could be reinvested in innovation and new electric models.
Volkswagen ID.7 electric cars are seen at the Volkswagen (VW) electric fleet lead plant in Emden, Germany, February 18, 2025. REUTERS/Carmen Jaspersen
Projected Impact
T&E warns that, combined with an extended compliance period for 2030 targets, the Commission’s proposal would raise vehicle CO2 emissions by roughly 10% between 2025 and 2050 compared with the current, stricter rules. The group also cautions that the draft could be weakened further during negotiations in the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union — both of which must approve any changes.
Why It Matters
T&E argues the proposal represents the EU’s largest recent retreat from green policy, at a time when Chinese manufacturers are accelerating their lead in battery electric vehicles.
Next steps: The proposal will be debated and must be approved by the European Parliament and the Council; negotiations may alter the final outcome.
(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Alexander Smith)
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