The future of combustion engine vehicles in the EU is uncertain as the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars looms.

Despite the EU's commitment to this ban, recent statements from EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggest potential exceptions for synthetic fuels, known as E-Fuels.

This has sparked debate among political factions, with Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder calling for a complete repeal of the ban, emphasizing a need for technology openness.

Meanwhile, a recent poll indicates that 64% of Germans oppose the combustion engine ban, highlighting a significant public divide.

As the EU prepares for a review of its emissions policies in 2026, the automotive industry is watching closely, with calls for a balanced approach that includes both electric and alternative fuel technologies.