After long months of tense discussions, the European Union has taken a surprising decision to accelerate the review of the planned phase-out of gasoline and diesel cars by 2035. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen personally announced this key move, which could radically change the future of the continent's automotive industry.
In a letter to the leaders of the 27 member states ahead of the crucial summit scheduled for October 23, von der Leyen left no room for doubt: “Following the last strategic dialogue, I have decided to accelerate the review of the car and van emissions regulation to the end of the year.
“This sudden bringing forward of the review, which was initially planned for a later date, is a direct response to the insistent requests of a number of governments and major car manufacturers. The main concept that finally seems to have been accepted by the Commission is technological neutrality - the main pillar of criticism against the EU's all-electric vision.
Von der Leyen strongly stressed: “In preparing the review, we are assessing the role of zero- and low-emission fuels in the transition to zero-emission road transport after 2030, such as e-fuels - for which I am already committed - and advanced biofuels.
“This opens the door to alternative, low-carbon solutions that can extend the life of the internal combustion engine beyond 2035. Time is short – With less than two months to go until the end of 2025, the Commission faces a daunting task of coordinating the divergent views of the Member States.
On one side are governments insisting on flexibility and neutrality, while on the other are the Scandinavian countries, Spain and Portugal, who are less inclined to reconsider the strict plan. This debate is an integral part of the wider review of the European Green Deal.
In parallel with the political debate, the reality in the industry is already moving away from the initial ultra-electric plans. Many manufacturers are already gradually abandoning the ambition to produce only electric cars by the end of the decade. Specific examples include:
Porsche announced the appearance of SUV models with thermal engines. Alfa Romeo delayed the launch of the new Stelvio (initially planned as a fully electric one). Lancia confirmed the availability of internal combustion engines for the new Gamma at its launch.
The Future: Neutrality with an Electric Flavor
The general feeling is that Europe will finally open the door to technological neutrality, while maintaining its preference for electricity. And the goal is clear: to create a sustainable economic system for industry and consumers, which can compete with the growing influence of Chinese manufacturers.
Proof of this is the project “European kei car“ - small, economical electric vehicles to be produced within the EU. Despite broad political support for this idea, the bureaucratic foundations for its implementation are yet to be clarified.