The European Commission, under heavy pressure from Germany, Italy and the continent’s automakers, is preparing to roll back the EU’s 2035 ban on sales of new combustion‑engine cars, officials and industry sources said in mid‑December 2025. Proposals unveiled around Dec. 16 would effectively soften the 2035 target — possibly allowing up to 10% non‑zero‑emission new vehicle sales or delaying the ban by several years — and recognise plug‑in hybrids, range‑extender designs and vehicles running on CO2‑neutral biofuels or synthetic (e‑)fuels. The Commission is also expected to propose measures to raise EV uptake in corporate fleets, create a new low‑tax category for small EVs and let manufacturers earn credits for low‑carbon production practices. Traditional automakers including Volkswagen and Stellantis welcomed movement; EV makers and environmental groups warned the shift could undermine investment in electrification and weaken Europe’s competitiveness against Chinese and U.S. EV producers. Any formal change will require approval by EU member governments and the European Parliament.