Germany to request relaxation of EU ban on combustion engines by 2035

The German administration has decided to advocate for a modification of the European Union's upcoming prohibition on new combustion engine vehicles, set to take effect in 2035, according to sources cited by dpa on Friday. Reports indicate that "highly efficient combustion engines" could continue to be allowed beyond 2035 under the agreement reached within the German coalition.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is anticipated to send a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, presenting Germany's updated stance after months of internal coalition debates.

The EU had determined in 2022 that new cars must no longer release CO2 emissions starting in 2035, which would essentially ban the registration of new vehicles powered by combustion engines. However, following strong objections from automobile manufacturers and several member states, the European Commission announced plans to review the regulation.

The commission is expected to submit a proposal based on this review on December 10.

Analysis

I note that Germany is formally shifting its position on the EU’s 2035 ban on new combustion engine vehicles by supporting a targeted exemption for highly efficient combustion engines. This position reflects an internal agreement within the German governing coalition after extended negotiations.

From the information available, the planned letter from Chancellor Friedrich Merz to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen serves to communicate this revised stance at the EU level. The timing aligns with the European Commission’s ongoing regulatory review announced after objections from manufacturers and several member states.

The existing EU decision from 2022 remains unchanged for now, requiring all new cars registered from 2035 to produce zero CO2 emissions. However, the upcoming Commission proposal expected on December 10 will be decisive in determining whether exemptions for certain combustion technologies are incorporated into the final framework.

Sources:

• Germany to seek easing of 2035 EU combustion engine ban