The European Commission is set to revise its plan to phase out new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, amid pressure from member states and the automotive industry. According to reports, the commission will propose a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions from 2021 levels, rather than the current 100% target, allowing for the continued sale of some hybrid and range-extender vehicles that burn fossil fuels.

The revised plan, expected to be published later, would require automakers to offset remaining emissions by using lower-carbon steel and alternative fuels such as synthetic e-fuels or non-food biofuels. The commission has also eased the 2030 target for vans, reducing the required CO2 cut from 50% to 40%. The changes aim to address concerns from the industry, which has been struggling with trade tensions, competition from China, and supply chain disruptions.

The EU’s original plan, adopted in 2023, aimed to achieve zero emissions from all new cars and vans sold from 2035. However, the revised proposal has been met with criticism from some industry insiders, who argue that it may undermine the bloc’s long-term competitiveness. Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Swedish electric vehicle maker Polestar, warned that backtracking on the 100% zero-emissions target could hurt Europe’s ability to compete.

William Todts, executive director of clean transport advocacy group T&E, also criticized the idea, stating that clinging to combustion engines would not make European automakers great again. The change in course follows lobbying by major automakers and calls from several countries, including Germany and Italy, which have been affected by the EU’s struggling industry.

Any changes to the plan would still need to be approved by EU member states and the European Parliament before they can take effect. The revision is seen as a significant shift in the EU’s flagship green deal, which aims to reduce the bloc’s carbon footprint and promote sustainable transportation. The outcome of the revised proposal will be closely watched, as it may have implications for the EU’s climate goals and the future of the automotive industry.