2035 petrol and diesel car ban branded ‘absurd and needs to be revised’ amid calls to scrap rules
Italy has called for an early review of the European Union’s 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, citing concerns over potential industry collapse.
Italian ministers are urging Brussels to reconsider the timeline for implementing the ban, which effectively prohibits the sale of new fossil fuel-powered vehicles in the EU from 2035.
Manufacturers around the world are already making strides to wind down their operations in developing new vehicles with internal combustion engines and instead focus on electric cars.
Speaking at the TEHA business forum in Cernobbio, Italy’s Industry Minister Adolfo Urso proposed that an assessment of progress towards the new rules should take place at the beginning of next year, rather than in 2026 as currently planned.
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“I think this should be the first issue the new European Commission deals with because companies and workers need clarity”, Urso stated.
The Italian Government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has continually called for new guidance to be delivered to prevent the automotive manufacturing sector in Europe from being impacted.
It has called for measures to be introduced that should grant member states greater autonomy in selecting technologies to achieve these goals, allowing for a gradual shift, rather than an EU-mandated switch.
Italy’s Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin echoed concerns outlined by Urso, delivering a similarly critical opinion of the ban at the same conference.
He added: “The 2035 ban on new combustion engine cars is absurd and needs to be revised,” Reuters reported.
Current European Union regulations state that any new cars sold after 2035 must have zero carbon emissions to ensure the transport sector will be carbon neutral by 2050.
Urso emphasised the urgency of the situation, suggesting that the review should be “the first issue the new European Commission deals with”.
The call for an earlier assessment reflects growing concerns within the Italian government about the potential impact of the ban on the automotive industry.
It is still unclear whether the UK Government will move the deadline to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars and vans after former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delayed several net zero pledges.
The Labour manifesto outlined that it would return the deadline back to 2030 to give assurances to manufacturers and drivers, although
A Government spokesperson told GB News: “We’re committed to delivering greener transport by supporting the transition to electric vehicles.
“We will provide certainty to manufacturers by restoring the 2030 phase-out date for new petrol and diesel cars, and are committed to accelerating the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. We will set out further details in due course.”
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There are expectations that the UK will reinstate the 2030 deadline, although manufacturers could be left in limbo as it assesses how to protect the industry without interrupting long-term goals.