The Net Zero Secretary now looks increasingly isolated after Manfred Weber, head of the influential EPP group in the European Parliament, said the EU would move to more flexible rules instead of a full ban.
According to Weber, the EU will no longer insist on a 100% cut in CO₂ emissions from new cars by 2035. Instead, manufacturers will need to hit a 90% reduction, and there will be no requirement to reach 100% even by 2040. He said the change removes the “technology ban” on combustion engines and gives countries the freedom to decide their own approach.
The shift follows pressure from at least seven EU member states - including Germany and Italy - and major carmakers like Volkswagen, Stellantis, Renault, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. They argue the previous rules were too rigid and failed to account for slow progress on charging infrastructure and grid upgrades.
In the UK, ministers have so far insisted the current timeline will stay in place: a 2030 phase-out for fully petrol and diesel cars, and 2035 for hybrids. Miliband has backed the policy, although the Department for Transport leads on implementation.
Critics say the EU’s retreat shows the UK risks pushing ahead alone. Shadow Net Zero Secretary Claire Coutinho argued the government should “back consumer choice” rather than force people into electric cars.
Industry groups also welcomed the EU’s change in tone. Sigrid de Vries, head of Europe’s automotive trade body ACEA, said the original 2035 target is “no longer realistic” given the lack of charging infrastructure, inconsistent incentives, and falling competitiveness - especially as China continues to flood the market with low-cost EVs.
