Is France Backtracking on the 2035 Engine Ban?
The French government’s recent high-stakes meeting with automotive industry leaders has cast significant doubt on the nation’s commitment to the European Union’s 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine vehicles. This consultation, aimed at forging a unified national position, has instead highlighted the immense practical and economic challenges of the impending deadline, suggesting a major policy shift may be underway.
Mounting Pressure and Economic Realities
Industry representatives presented a stark picture of the transition’s hurdles. Key concerns include the high upfront cost of electric vehicles for consumers, the uneven deployment of charging infrastructure—particularly in rural areas—and the strategic reliance on battery technologies and raw materials sourced outside Europe. This domestic pressure coincides with a broader European context where several member states are advocating for a review of the 2035 target, citing similar economic and social concerns.
The Hybrid Technology Compromise
A central point of discussion is the potential role of hybrid vehicles as a transitional technology beyond 2035. Proponents argue that advanced hybrids, especially plug-in models, could serve as a pragmatic bridge, reducing emissions significantly while alleviating range anxiety and infrastructure strain. This approach is seen as a way to maintain industrial competitiveness and protect jobs within the traditional automotive sector during a more gradual shift.
Implications for the European Green Deal
France’s hesitation carries weight far beyond its borders. As a major automotive producer and a central player in the EU, any formal French push to amend the 2035 regulation could galvanize other skeptical nations and potentially unravel a cornerstone of the European Green Deal. The outcome of this national debate will signal whether Europe pursues a strict, disruptive timeline or adopts a more flexible, technology-neutral path to decarbonizing transport.
The coming months will be critical as France defines its formal negotiating stance in Brussels. The possibility of a “reversal” reflects a deepening conflict between ambitious climate targets and the tangible realities of industrial policy, consumer adoption, and energy sovereignty.