EU lawmakers back looser 2035 emissions rules as EV debate widens

· Automotive & EV · European Union · United Kingdom

Lawmakers from three major blocs in the European Parliament have struck a deal to relax the EU's 2035 car emissions target, a move that would let combustion-engine vehicles stay on sale beyond the deadline. Critics warn the bloc risks losing ground to China on electric vehicles. The shift comes as Europe records a strong EV month even while the US and China stall, and as France and Germany push to soften the 2035 rules. Meanwhile, the UK is edging toward China EV tariffs ahead of an EU summit, and Toyota is lobbying for UK, Turkey and Japan to be counted in EU content rules, plus a 2028-2032 CO2 compliance window and cars running only on renewable fuels counted as zero-emission. The proposals still need to be finalized through the EU legislative process, leaving automakers' product and investment plans for the next decade in flux.

Why it matters：The 2035 target is the anchor of Europe's EV transition; relaxing it reshapes investment, compliance and competitive dynamics for every automaker selling in the bloc.

Key points

  • Lawmakers from three major blocs back looser rules that would keep combustion engines on sale
  • Europe posted a record EV month while US and China growth stalled
  • Toyota wants UK, Turkey and Japan included in EU content rules and a 2028-2032 CO2 compliance window

Sources (original reporting)

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