❗️The European Union’s landmark plan to impose an effective ban on the sale of new CO2-emitting combustion cars by 2035 has officially been relaxed. Strong lobbying, led by Germany, forced the EU to create a major loophole that will allow the continued sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles after the deadline. This exception applies only to cars running exclusively on certified CO2-neutral synthetic fuels (e-fuels), shifting the focus from specific technology to overall emissions. However, this political compromise has divided the industry, with electric-focused brands like Volvo and Polestar strongly urging the EU to reinstate the strict 2035 ban. They argue that softening the rules will only slow down crucial EV investment and hand a massive market advantage to highly competitive Chinese electric car manufacturers. Proponents of the change argue it protects industrial jobs and allows for “technology neutrality,” while critics fear it waters down critical climate targets...