EU could postpone ban on new cars with combustion engines

Sales of cars with combustion engines in the EU could continue after 2035

The European Union's plan to ban the sale of new cars with petrol and diesel engines from 2035 is under significant pressure to delay it. As the possibility of a revision of the deadline to 2040 looms, the economic and social stakes are rising considerably for member states, and Romania plays an important role in this equation, with a vital auto industry.

Paradigm Shift: Why a Delay to 2040?

Recent media reports, citing sources in the European Commission, suggest that the EU executive could consider a five-year postponement of the ban, meaning setting the final deadline for the sale of new internal combustion (ICE) cars in 2040.

This change would come in response to:

1. Member State Opposition: A group of countries, including Germany, Italy, Portugal, Slovakia and Romania, supported an alternative plan. It aimed to reduce CO2 emissions by 90% by 2035, leaving the 100% target (total ban) for 2040.
2. Synthetic Fuels Exception: Germany's concession already allows the sale of cars with combustion engines after 2035 if they use only e-fuels (CO2-neutral synthetic fuels). A 100% postponement would give the industry more time to develop and widely deploy both electric vehicles and alternative sustainable fuel technologies.

Crucial Impact on the Romanian Automotive Industry

For Romania, a postponement of the total ban until 2040 could be a necessary oxygen balloon, although the transition to electricity remains inevitable.

1. Production of Internal Combustion Engines (ICE)

Romania is an important automotive manufacturing hub, hosting major factories such as Dacia/Renault (Mioveni) and Ford Otosan (Craiova).

• Although both companies have already started the transition to electric models (Dacia Spring, Ford Puma Electric), much of the current production and local supply chain (component suppliers) is still focused on internal combustion engines.
• A postponement would give manufacturers and suppliers more time to re-equip, re-skill their workforce, and amortize investments in ICE technology, avoiding a rapid and potentially traumatic shutdown or restructuring.

2. Internal Market and Infrastructure

The Romanian auto market, like many countries in Central and Eastern Europe, is characterized by an aging car fleet and lower purchasing power compared to Western countries.

• Affordability: Electric cars (EVs) are still generally more expensive. A quick ban in 2035 could severely limit Romanians' access to new and affordable cars, forcing them to maintain an old and polluting car fleet.
• Charging Infrastructure: Although progress has been made, Romania is at the bottom of the EU ranking in terms of the number of public charging stations. A postponement to 2040 would give the state and private investors more crucial time to build a charging network capable of supporting growing demand, especially in rural areas and on highways.

Romania's Perspectives in Negotiation

Romania, along with other partners, supported arguments related to the need for technological flexibility and a realistic pace of transition that takes into account economic disparities in the EU.

The objective remains zero emissions, but the path must be adapted: Supporting synthetic fuels or advanced hybrid solutions after 2035, together with a final deadline in 2040, could ensure a smoother transition, maintaining the competitiveness of the European (and implicitly the Romanian) automotive industry in the face of global competition.

Ultimately, the European Commission's decision on the revision of the "Fit for 55" plan will determine not only the future of transport in the EU, but also Romania's ability to maintain its position as a major car manufacturer in the context of electrification.