Editorial: Le Monde

• EU is considering reversing the ban on new sale of thermal engine vehicles from 2035.
• European Commission's suggestion to allow sale of hybrid and electric vehicles equipped with gasoline range extenders post 2035 challenges goals of European green pact.
• The emission reduction would decrease from 100% to 90% compared to 2021.
• These concessions are seen as a significant retreat in the European bloc's environmental policy over the past five years.
• Automotive industry's difficulties are largely due to their own strategic decisions, not EU's imposition.
• Delaying the shift to electric vehicles may benefit Chinese industry that is continuously enhancing its technology and marketing.
• Betting on plug-in hybrids is of limited interest for protecting the European auto industry.

Conclusion: EU needs to speed up and not delay the shift to electric vehicles. Allowing more electric vehicles will help the European industry move out of its slump.

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