The European Union’s decision to ban sales of new gasoline and diesel vehicles from 2035 has created a new debate in member states. The timeline is considered unrealistic and could deal a heavy blow to the automotive industry.

Italy: EU’s internal combustion engine ban is illogical

The automotive sector and some member states have begun to discuss the ban on gasoline and diesel vehicles approved by the European Parliament. Accordingly, Italy is one of the countries that has reacted most strongly to the ban. The Minister of Environment and Energy Security said that the target set for 2035 is illogical.

The Italian Minister also argued that the ideological vision put forward by the EU has failed. The Minister demanded that the policy be reassessed in 2025. The Ministry of Trade also said that it shared the same concerns and stated that it could lead to the collapse of the European automotive industry.

Italian authorities argue that the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles should be more gradual. Automakers have also stated that reaching the 2035 target is technically and economically difficult.

Previously, brands such as Mercedes, Porsche, Bentley and Ford postponed their plans to switch to fully electric vehicles in Europe by 2030. With the decrease in government incentives for electric vehicles, the pace of sales growth across Europe has also slowed.

For example, Hyundai said it will more than double the electric driving range of its hybrid models. In this context, it will also increase its hybrid vehicle portfolio to 14 models. Accordingly, investments in electric powertrains have begun to shift towards hybrids.