Seven member states of the European Union are asking the European Commission to postpone the ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol cars starting from 2035, arguing that this could severely impact the European automotive sector.

In the letters addressed to the Commission, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, and Slovakia emphasize the importance of legislation based on "technological neutrality," which would allow national governments to choose the most suitable solutions for reducing emissions. They propose alternatives such as hybrid electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered cars. Additionally, the signatories highlight the need for adequate charging and refueling infrastructure. In the context of competition with Chinese manufacturers, who have strongly entered the European market, these states fear rising costs and a lack of demand for electric vehicles. The criticisms also target current regulations, which do not sufficiently stimulate demand for green vehicles. The European Commission is set to revise CO2 emission standards, and previous statements suggest that it may delay the proposal for a ban.