BERLIN, El Sky News — The German federal government announced this week that it will formally request the European Commission to relax the upcoming 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles, a move driven by concerns over the automotive industry’s competitiveness and slow electric-vehicle (EV) adoption. The proposal, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, seeks to allow hybrid engines and highly efficient combustion technologies as part of the transition plan.
Germany argues that the strict phaseout timeline is unrealistic under current market conditions and may put domestic manufacturers — including Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz — at a significant disadvantage. Officials say that a more flexible policy is needed to safeguard jobs, maintain industrial stability, and ensure that European automakers can keep pace with global competitors.
Environmental groups strongly oppose the proposal, warning that loosening the ban could undermine the European Union’s long-term climate goals. They insist that allowing continued sales of combustion-engine vehicles, even in hybrid form, risks slowing down the crucial shift toward zero-emission mobility across the continent.
Meanwhile, several EU member states, including France and Spain, remain committed to the 2035 deadline and urge the Commission not to dilute its climate ambitions. They argue that clear and firm regulations are essential to accelerating EV infrastructure development and guiding automakers toward cleaner technologies.
The European Commission is expected to review Germany’s request in the coming weeks, a decision that could shape the future trajectory of Europe’s automotive transition — whether dominated by full electrification or a mix of EVs, hybrids, and alternative fuels.
