The EU faces opposition to its 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from key German officials and a majority of German citizens.

Critics, including Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder, warn the ban may undermine Germany's leadership in combustion engine technology and advocate for continued electric car subsidies.

The European Court of Auditors expresses concern over the EU's reliance on imports for electric vehicle production, highlighting potential over-dependence on China.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is open to revising the ban timeline, with a potential review as early as 2026, and may consider exceptions for CO2-neutral E-fuels.

Despite efforts to promote electric vehicles, the EU struggles with high costs, insufficient charging infrastructure, and has not significantly reduced real CO2 emissions from cars.