EU considers five-year zero-emission target extension for hybrid cars from 2035 to 2040

The European Commission could be set to announce that it will allow sales of plug-in hybrid cars and extended-range EVs until 2040, provided they use sustainable fuels or green steel.

Other reports are claiming that the full cut-off will be delayed from the original 2035 target, by five years, meaning automakers will still be allowed to sell combustion-engine vehicles until the end of December, 2039.

The EU is setting a legally binding climate target of 90 per cent reduction in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 2040. The Commission welcomes the latest provisional political agreement between the European Parliament and EU Member States on this headline target and the amendment of the EU Climate Law.

The deal also includes the possibility to use high-quality international credits to reach the 90 per cent GHG emissions cut by 2040, compared to 1990 levels, with an adequate contribution of up to five per cent.

Ever since the European Union announced it would ban sales of new cars with combustion engines from 2035, there has been growing opposition to the deadline as being unrealistic.

Electric cars remain more expensive than comparable petrol models, and the charging infrastructure still leaves much to be desired in many parts of the Europe.