French authorities are considering the possibility that the ban on the sale of new thermal cars, planned by the EU from 2035, could be “relaxed,” provided that it does not go against the exit from fossil fuels.
Paris – “Easing” measures can be considered regarding the ban on new thermal vehicles in 2035, but on the condition that they do not “call into question” the exit from fossil fuels, which must remain “the compass,” the Ministry of Industry indicated to AFP on Friday.
Minister Marc Ferracci had said he was “ready” on Wednesday for “reflection on easing” in this area, without deviating from the decarbonization goal of 2035, in front of the deputies of an inquiry committee.
“We must maintain this objective, this target of 2035 to decarbonize vehicles,” insists the ministry. By that date, new vehicles must no longer emit CO2, which effectively excludes petrol and diesel models, including hybrids.
Several EU member states plan to take advantage of the 2026 review clause to apply the principle of “technological neutrality” allowing different technical solutions to coexist.
Italy, for example, advocates allowing the sale of new vehicles running on biofuel, produced from biomass. (June 13, 2025)
