The European Union’s ambitious plan to implement the 2035 Combustion Engine Ban is encountering growing resistance, particularly from Italy. The ban, aimed at phasing out new combustion engine vehicles in favor of electric vehicles (EVs), was intended to accelerate the shift toward greener transportation. However, Italy, led by its Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, is openly criticizing the ban, labeling it “absurd” and based on an unrealistic “ideological vision.”
Italy’s concern is largely centered around the potential impact on its automotive industry. With iconic brands and a deep-rooted car manufacturing tradition, the country fears that the 2035 Combustion Engine Ban could lead to severe economic consequences, including the possible collapse of its auto sector. As a result, Italy is advocating for the EU to reassess the situation by 2025, ahead of the original deadline, to ensure that the transition to EVs is more gradual and feasible. The Italian government believes that the idea of Europe’s auto giants completely pivoting to electric vehicles within a little over a decade is too optimistic, given the ongoing challenges facing the industry.
Across Europe, the practical realities of the 2035 Combustion Engine Ban are beginning to emerge. Automakers like Volvo, once committed to phasing out gas engines by 2030, are now expressing doubts about meeting this target. Likewise, major manufacturers such as Mercedes, Ford, and Porsche are scaling back their electric vehicle plans. One of the primary reasons for this shift is a cooling demand for EVs. European consumers, once eager to adopt electric cars, are now hesitating as government subsidies diminish and concerns grow about battery costs and longevity.
Another significant factor complicating the transition is the influx of low-cost electric vehicles from China. Chinese manufacturers are flooding the European market with affordable EVs, intensifying competition for European automakers. This added pressure could have even greater consequences if the 2035 Combustion Engine Ban is enforced, as it would force European carmakers to abandon the internal combustion engine (ICE) market altogether. Without the ability to produce and sell ICE vehicles globally, manufacturers would need to rethink their entire business models, losing the scale and profitability that come from traditional vehicle production.
There’s an element of irony in the situation. The EU’s drive to lead the world into an electric vehicle future, spearheaded by the 2035 Combustion Engine Ban, might unintentionally endanger its own automotive industry. While the EU’s intentions are rooted in clean energy and sustainability, the reality is that many automakers are struggling to keep pace with the rapid changes required by the ban. Forcing a swift transition could leave some of Europe’s most iconic carmakers at a disadvantage, threatening their ability to compete in an evolving global market.
Italy’s call for a reevaluation by 2025 reflects a growing realization that the 2035 Combustion Engine Ban may need a more measured approach. As the EU pushes forward with its electric vehicle agenda, the automotive industry is left grappling with how to balance environmental goals with economic survival. It’s clear that the road to a fully electric future will be challenging, and the EU’s bold plans may need to be adjusted to ensure they don’t push their own carmakers into a corner.
