The EU appears likely to drop what had amounted to a ban from 2035 on the sale of combustion-engine cars, under pressure from the continent’s beleaguered auto industry.
The move is yet to be finalized, but would allow sales of plug-in hybrids, and marks the latest watering-down of the bloc’s green policies. The shift comes as European carmakers struggle to compete with Chinese rivals.
Other Western markets are pivoting, too: The US has reduced incentives for EV purchases, while Britain — where Chinese EVs have taken off and which also has a scheduled 2035 ban — said it would be “responsive” to the car industry as Europe shifts its targets.
