America News Agency

According to several officials familiar with the talks who spoke to Politico, the Commission plans to ease the de facto 2035 ban by requiring carmakers to cut emissions by 90% instead of the original 100%.

The change follows months of intense lobbying and represents a major victory for center-right parties and the automotive industry.

Under the agreement, which is still under negotiation, automakers will be allowed to sell plug-in hybrids and range extenders after 2035, provided they offset the remaining 10% of emissions using green steel and alternative fuels.

Climate advocates say the Commission should stay the course.

Transport & Environment Executive Director William Todts said: “The EU is trying to buy time while the next game has already begun. Every euro steered toward plug-in hybrids is a euro not spent on electric vehicles, while China moves further ahead.”