Six EU member states—Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Italy, Poland, and Slovakia—have asked the European Commission to soften the 2035 ban on internal combustion engines by allowing the sale of hybrids or vehicles with alternative powertrains beyond that date.

The appeal argues for a slower transition to electric propulsion, citing rising industry pressures and large planned investments at risk if the ban proceeds on the current timetable.

The Commission is expected to propose a package next week to support European carmakers, potentially revising CO2 targets and loosening the 2035 ban, though exact measures remain unclear and could be delayed from an initial December 10 timeline.

Context shows public and political positions shifting as EV demand fluctuates and Chinese competition grows, influencing debates on emissions, technology neutrality, and protecting industry.

Leaders warn that mandating a single decarbonization path could stifle innovation and competitiveness, underscoring a push for technological neutrality.

Analysts warn that optimistic EV adoption assumptions may be overstated and stress the need for a broader technology mix to reach emissions targets.

The broader European goal remains decarbonization while protecting industrial competitiveness and jobs, with some governments prioritizing electrification to prevent job losses.

Several member states seek to preserve a broad set of technologies for meeting emissions goals as they transition away from traditional internal combustion engines.

The push is conveyed in a letter signed by the six prime ministers, emphasizing a flexible approach to decarbonization technology.

They urge permitting hybrids and other technologies to meet emissions goals and advocate including low-carbon and renewable fuels in the transport plan.

Such technologies could contribute to emissions reductions, with calls to include low-carbon and renewable fuels in the plan.

Auto manufacturers highlight that many existing engines are 'highly efficient' due to energy recovery, complicating the ban's interpretation.

Germany supports moving away from combustion engines but seeks clarity on what counts as 'highly efficient' engines and whether they could be permitted post-2035.

The move aims to support European automakers amid softer battery EV demand and rising competition from China, which could affect competitiveness.

Italy and Germany have pushed to soften the ban to shield their automotive sectors from Chinese competition, weak EV demand, and tariffs, while other states weigh costs.

Rhetoric centers on balancing climate goals with European competitiveness, warning against an 'industrial desert' if sustainability drives collapse of industry.

The package may adjust the ban’s implementation to ease regulatory barriers for hybrids and other green propulsion technologies.

The 2035 ban ties into fleet CO2 standards; if targets are missed, fines loom, fueling calls to relax the rules from industry and several member states.

The joint letter documenting the request was obtained by Reuters.

The Commission is expected to unveil an accelerated December review to provide more flexibility for Europe’s car industry.

Automakers like Stellantis, VW, and Renault await clarity on the ban’s fate as they plan multi-billion euro investments.