The European Union has decided not to enforce its earlier plan to stop sales of new cars powered by traditional combustion engines in 2035. Instead, o
The European Union has decided not to enforce its earlier plan to stop sales of new cars powered by traditional combustion engines in 2035. Instead, officials are moving toward a policy that keeps internal-combustion vehicles on the market while still pushing manufacturers to significantly cut emissions.
The shift comes after months of debate over the readiness of electric-vehicle infrastructure, concerns about affordability, and questions about the impact on jobs across the automotive industry. Lawmakers concluded that a more flexible framework would allow technological progress to continue without forcing a single pathway.
Under the revised approach, carmakers will still face strict targets to lower fleet emissions, but they’ll be allowed to meet those goals using a mix of technologies — including improved combustion engines, hybrids, and alternative fuels — rather than relying exclusively on battery-electric models.
Supporters say the new direction balances environmental goals with economic realities, while critics argue it may slow the transition away from fossil fuels. For now, the policy signals that Europe’s future roads will include a broader blend of vehicle technologies than previously expected.
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