German Chancellor Merz Vows to Oppose EU’s 2035 Electric-Only Car Ban

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has declared his opposition to the European Union’s plan to ban new combustion engine car sales by 2035, saying he will do everything possible to prevent such a “hard cutoff.” Speaking at a summit with political and automotive industry leaders in Berlin, Merz argued that the proposed timeline threatens Germany’s struggling car sector and lacks flexibility.
The EU’s 2035 regulation aims to allow only electric vehicle registrations after that year, a move intended to accelerate the green transition. However, Merz and other leaders contend that the plan overlooks promising alternatives such as plug-in hybrids, range extenders, and new low-emission fuel technologies. Deputy Chancellor Lars Klingbeil also suggested that the government may seek modifications to ensure a more balanced transition.
Germany’s auto industry, once the backbone of its economy, faces growing challenges from rising competition with China, trade restrictions in the U.S., and declining car demand across Europe. The shift toward electrification has also triggered significant job losses — more than 50,000 in 2024 alone.
With mounting pressure on both environmental and economic fronts, Berlin appears poised to push for a more flexible EU policy that protects industrial competitiveness while advancing sustainability goals.