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EU Considers Delaying Petrol Car Ban to 2040

12/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Times reports the European Union may delay its ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 to 2040.
The potential EU delay could pressure the United Kingdom to revisit its own 2030 ban, which Labour reinstated after a Conservative extension to 2035.
Under the EU timeline, only pure-electric cars would be allowed, while Britain’s hybrids could be permitted until 2035, and timing remains uncertain.

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Story summary

The Times reports the European Union may delay its ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 to 2040.
The potential EU delay could pressure the United Kingdom to revisit its own 2030 ban, which Labour reinstated after a Conservative extension to 2035.
Under the EU timeline, only pure-electric cars would be allowed, while Britain’s hybrids could be permitted until 2035, and timing remains uncertain.