Overview
- Brussels proposes replacing the 2035 zero‑emission requirement with a 90% tailpipe CO2 reduction from 2021 levels for new cars.
- Automakers could compensate remaining exhaust emissions by using EU‑made green steel or switching to cleaner fuels in production.
- The shift is bundled into a wider automotive package to expand affordable electric car output and speed the greening of commercial vehicles.
- The move follows pressure from car‑manufacturing countries such as Germany and Italy and from industry citing slow EV uptake and job risks.
- The European Parliament and national ministers must now assess the plan, with reporting suggesting likely support as firms like Volvo and Polestar oppose the rollback.