As we all know, the world's automakers are being forced towards electrification. While hydrogen and synthetic fuels seem to be possible alternatives, policymakers seem unwilling to consider these fuel sources. This has meant that a new law is being proposed that will put an end to the sale of all combustion-powered vehicles by 2035. But first, the law has to be voted on by the European Union's member nations, and so far, politicians in Germany and the Czech Republic have voiced their intentions to oppose the ban, despite some pushback from certain manufacturers. Now, another five states have spoken out against the ban and have aimed to delay a full-scale ban.

According to the news agency Reuters, Italy, Portugal, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania have proposed that, rather than a 100% ban by 2035, there should be a 90% cut by 2035 and a 100% target for 2040. They also said that light commercial vehicles should meet an 80% CO2 reduction by 2035 and 100% by 2040. According to a paper detailing the nations' proposals, "adequate and tailored transition periods need to be established," citing the need for greater charging infrastructure. A Bulgarian official is also reported to have noted "the significant differences" in purchasing power between EU countries, effectively saying that wealthier countries are able to make a transition to EV power with greater ease. This is evidenced by the continued proliferation of decades-old cars on eastern European roads, while buyers in Norway, for example, have taken a liking to expensive EVs like the Porsche Taycan.

It's a tricky situation, as Brussels (the de facto capital of the EU) says the 2035 date is crucial since the average lifespan of new cars is 15 years and a later ban would prevent the net zero emissions target of 2050 from being reached. According to scientists who specialize in the field, 2050 is the milestone that may yet avert disastrous climate change.

It's difficult to say which way this will go, as Ford, Volvo, Volkswagen, and others have given their support to the 2035 plan and have begun to make their own arrangements to meet the 2035 target. Just as importantly, another EU law that would require members to install millions of EV chargers is not yet finalized.