Germany challenges EU 2035 combustion sales ban, adds EV aid
Germany seeks EU exceptions to the 2035 combustion-engine ban, and unveils EV and hybrid subsidies
Germany challenges EU 2035 combustion sales ban, adds EV aid
Berlin will ask the EU to ease the 2035 combustion-engine ban, seeking exceptions for PHEVs and efficient gas cars, and launching €3,000 EV/hybrid subsidies.
2025-11-29T11:12:45+03:00
2025-11-29T11:12:45+03:00
2025-11-29T11:12:45+03:00
Germany is preparing an official request to the European Commission to reconsider the rules that would ban sales of new cars with internal combustion engines starting in 2035. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a rigid shift to electric power looks unrealistic amid intensifying competition from China and the fragility of Europe’s auto industry. Major manufacturers are siding with the government, arguing that an overly rapid exit from combustion engines threatens jobs and erodes the region’s competitiveness.The governing coalition has agreed on a common stance: Berlin will ask the EU to allow exceptions for plug-in hybrids and highly efficient gasoline engines. At the same time, Germany emphasizes that it is not abandoning climate goals but wants to preserve technological flexibility. Merz described the industry’s condition as precarious and said carmakers need more time and leeway to modernize. Giving them that runway could help avoid rushed decisions that weaken model lineups just as Chinese pressure intensifies.In parallel, the government is launching a new electrification support program. Households with middle and lower incomes will be able to receive a subsidy of €3,000 when buying or leasing an electric vehicle or a hybrid, and families can receive up to an additional €1,000 for children. The plan is intended to speed fleet renewal and stimulate demand for new cars, including popular 2025 EV models. Focusing support on buyers who often remain on the sidelines of early adoption could have a stronger effect on mass uptake.
Germany, EU 2035 ban, combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, PHEV exceptions, efficient gasoline engines, EV subsidies, hybrid incentives, auto industry, China competition, climate policy
2025
Michael Powers
news
Germany seeks EU exceptions to the 2035 combustion-engine ban, and unveils EV and hybrid subsidies
Berlin will ask the EU to ease the 2035 combustion-engine ban, seeking exceptions for PHEVs and efficient gas cars, and launching €3,000 EV/hybrid subsidies.
Michael Powers, Editor
Germany is preparing an official request to the European Commission to reconsider the rules that would ban sales of new cars with internal combustion engines starting in 2035. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a rigid shift to electric power looks unrealistic amid intensifying competition from China and the fragility of Europe’s auto industry. Major manufacturers are siding with the government, arguing that an overly rapid exit from combustion engines threatens jobs and erodes the region’s competitiveness.
The governing coalition has agreed on a common stance: Berlin will ask the EU to allow exceptions for plug-in hybrids and highly efficient gasoline engines. At the same time, Germany emphasizes that it is not abandoning climate goals but wants to preserve technological flexibility. Merz described the industry’s condition as precarious and said carmakers need more time and leeway to modernize. Giving them that runway could help avoid rushed decisions that weaken model lineups just as Chinese pressure intensifies.
In parallel, the government is launching a new electrification support program. Households with middle and lower incomes will be able to receive a subsidy of €3,000 when buying or leasing an electric vehicle or a hybrid, and families can receive up to an additional €1,000 for children. The plan is intended to speed fleet renewal and stimulate demand for new cars, including popular 2025 EV models. Focusing support on buyers who often remain on the sidelines of early adoption could have a stronger effect on mass uptake.
