EU Eases 2035 Car Emissions Target
Car buyers across Europe may see petrol and hybrid models sold beyond 2035 under revised rules.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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The European Parliament's Environment Committee voted on November 6, 2026 to lower the EU's 2035 CO2 reduction target for cars from 90 percent to 87.5 percent against 2021 levels, and for vans to 80 percent. The move follows pressure to relax the original rule requiring all combustion-engine vehicles to be phased out from 2035, affecting drivers and manufacturers across Europe.
Why it matters
Carmakers lobbied Brussels to relax the targets amid high battery costs and competition from cheaper Chinese rivals, which shapes what new vehicles will be available and how long combustion-engine options remain on sale. The shift also raises the question of whether the UK will follow with its own easing of electric vehicle sales requirements.
The EU car target moves from a 90 percent cut to 87.5 percent by 2035 against 2021 levels, while the van target falls to 80 percent. In Britain, the current ZEV Mandate requires EV sales to climb from 33 percent this year to 80 percent by 2030, and a consultation that closed in October floated a 2030 target as low as 50 percent.
The players
European Parliament Environment Committee
The committee within the EU legislature that voted to lower the 2035 emissions targets for cars and vans.
UK Department for Transport
The British government department responsible for the ZEV Mandate and proposing changes to the role of plug-in hybrids.
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
The UK automotive industry trade body that says manufacturers are spending billions on discounts and incentives to meet EV quotas.
The details
Under the proposed EU rules, a small share of hybrid, petrol and diesel cars could continue to be sold beyond 2035, replacing the original plan that required all combustion-engine vehicles to be phased out by that date. Manufacturers would also earn super-credits for small electric cars built in Europe, giving them a compliance incentive tied to local production. In the UK, the Department for Transport has proposed reconsidering the role of plug-in hybrid vehicles in the legislation, while the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says manufacturers are spending billions on discounts and incentives to meet current EV quotas.
Timeline
November 6, 2026: The EU Environment Committee voted to lower the 2035 CO2 targets.
October 2026: The UK ZEV Mandate consultation closed.
2030: The UK ban on new pure petrol and diesel cars is scheduled to take effect.
2035: The original EU ban on combustion-engine vehicles would have applied.
Early 2027: The UK government has promised a response to the ZEV Mandate review.
The Home Front
The change comes as the EU's original 2035 combustion-engine phase-out rule faces its first major revision, and the UK's ZEV Mandate is being reviewed against a 2030 sales target of 80 percent. Both moves reflect industry pressure over battery costs and competition from Chinese carmakers.
If you are planning to buy a new car in the next few years, these proposals could mean more combustion-engine and hybrid models remain available past 2035, so compare current incentive offers against your charging access at home. Before committing to a charger installation, have a licensed electrician assess your panel capacity.
The takeaway
The rules on which cars can be sold are still moving, so check the status of any electric vehicle incentive before you buy. Keep your charging and home electrical plans flexible until the EU and UK finalize their targets.
What happens next
The UK government has promised a response to its ZEV Mandate review no later than early 2027, which will show whether the 2030 electric sales target is lowered from 80 percent. The EU revisions still need formal adoption before they take effect.
Further reading
For background on how battery prices and charging networks shape the switch to cars that plug in, see the Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mail Online.
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