The proposed relaxation marks a significant change in European climate policy for cars. The original agreement that new cars from 2035 onwards may no longer emit COâ‚‚ is now being abandoned. The political compromise is intended to give car manufacturers more freedom in their choice of engines and fuels.
Earlier, the Transport Committee and the Industry Committee of the European Parliament had already expressed support for easing the Green Deal rules for the car industry. This broadens political support for a compromise between the Christian Democrats, Social Democrats, and Liberals. The full European Parliament is still to vote on it in December.
About 90 percent
According to current European rules, new passenger cars must be completely emission-free from 2035. This obligation is now being weakened. Car manufacturers would need to reduce their emissions by approximately 90 percent compared to 2021, instead of the previously agreed 100 percent.
This leaves room for new cars with combustion engines, including gasoline and diesel cars and hybrid vehicles. The rules are substantially relaxed especially for vans. For these vehicles, an emission reduction of about 80 percent is proposed by 2035.
European steel
The compromise also provides options for vehicles that run exclusively on approved sustainable fuels. Under certain conditions, these can be classified as emission-free. European car manufacturers can also offset part of their emissions by using European steel in their car production.
Imports from China
The relaxation meets the wishes of European car manufacturers. They are concerned about the costs of the transition to electric vehicles and increasing competition from China. Chinese manufacturers are selling more and more electric cars to Europeans, while European brands are losing market share in China.
At the same time, the European Parliament wants to stimulate the development of small, affordable electric cars. Manufacturers will receive additional benefits for the calculation of their average emissions. The new rules are not yet final. After the vote by the full European Parliament, the 27 EU countries must also approve them.
