The EU’s long-planned phase-out of new petrol and diesel cars in 2035 is no longer as solid as it once seemed. After growing pressure from several member states and major car manufacturers, the European Commission is preparing to roll back the original ban and make room for new combustion-engine vehicles well beyond 2035.
For millions of drivers across Europe, this could mean one thing: the petrol and diesel era isn’t over yet.
A Major Shift: From a Strict Ban to a Flexible Approach
For years, the 2035 deadline was presented as a firm cutoff point — a complete shift to electric vehicles. But EU policymakers have now signaled a dramatic change in direction.
Several countries pushed back against the original plan, arguing that a one-size-fits-all electric future was unrealistic. Instead, they pushed for the EU to allow hybrids, improved combustion engines, and cars running on new types of cleaner fuels.
In response, the European Commission is preparing an updated regulation package that opens the door for:
- Highly efficient petrol and diesel engines
- Plug-in hybrids
- Cars running on synthetic or low-carbon fuels
- Technology-neutral standards rather than EV-only rules
This means the 2035 petrol and diesel “ban” is no longer a true ban — it’s evolving into a more flexible system that still allows combustion engines under certain conditions.
What This Means for Drivers
If you thought 2035 would be the final year you could buy a petrol or diesel car, that’s changing. Under the updated rules:
- New combustion-engine cars could still be sold after 2035
- Hybrids may continue far longer than expected
- “Green fuel” combustion cars may become a new category
- Drivers will have more freedom to choose between electric, hybrid, or updated ICE vehicles
This is especially significant for regions with limited charging infrastructure, long-distance drivers, or people who simply prefer the familiarity and affordability of combustion engines.
Why the EU is Changing Course
European countries didn’t just oppose the ban for political reasons — the objections were practical:
- Charging networks are not growing fast enough
- Electric vehicle prices remain high for many families
- Some manufacturers warned of job losses and industrial decline
- Consumers in many regions prefer hybrids or petrol cars
- Synthetic and low-carbon fuels are improving rapidly
Put simply: the technology and infrastructure aren’t ready to support a full electric transition by 2035, and Brussels is acknowledging that.
So, Is the Ban Dead?
The EU hasn’t officially published the final revised rules yet — but the direction is clear. The Commission is preparing a rollback that moves away from a strict ban and toward a more realistic, multi-technology approach.
In other words:
Yes, it looks very likely that new petrol and diesel cars will still be allowed after 2035.
They may need to meet new standards or run on approved fuels, but they won’t disappear.
What This Means for You
Europe is shifting its stance. Instead of forcing a rapid, all-electric future, the EU is opening the door for multiple technologies to coexist — including combustion engines.
For everyday drivers, this means:
- More choice
- More affordability
- Less pressure to switch to electric before you’re ready
And for many people across Europe, it’s a relief: the cars they know and trust aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
