The EU's 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars — what it actually means
The EU's decision to end sales of new combustion-engine cars raises plenty of questions. We explain exactly what the regulation covers and what stays unchanged.
The European Union's decision to end sales of new combustion-engine cars from 2035 remains one of the most discussed — and most misunderstood — decisions in the auto industry.
What the regulation actually covers
From 2035, manufacturers will no longer be able to sell new cars and light commercial vehicles with a combustion engine (petrol or diesel) in the EU. The goal is for zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles to become the standard for new sales.
What does NOT change
Used petrol and diesel cars remain fully legal. The ban applies only to new sales from manufacturers — you can buy, sell, and drive an existing combustion-engine car without restriction after 2035.
There's no forced deregistration. No plan exists to pull existing cars off the road based on engine type.
Synthetic fuels remain an exception. Following lobbying from Germany, an exemption was agreed for vehicles running entirely on certified carbon-neutral synthetic fuels (e-fuels) — though practical uptake is still limited.
Why the decision is controversial
The auto industry warns of job losses, since EV production requires less labor than traditional engines. Some member states are pushing to revisit the deadline given the slow pace of charging infrastructure rollout in Eastern and Southern Europe.
How it affects the used car market
The expected effect is rising demand for used petrol and diesel cars in the years around 2035, as many buyers choose to buy before the deadline or keep driving existing cars longer.
At the same time, the supply of used EVs will grow fast, since new EV sales will dominate the new-car market well before 2035 itself.
What it means for Bulgaria
As an EU member, Bulgaria follows the common regulation. Current charging infrastructure still lags behind Western Europe, but the pace of rollout is increasing significantly each year — an important factor when planning an EV purchase in the medium term.
Conclusion
The 2035 ban affects only new sales, not the cars already on the road. For buyers weighing a switch to an EV, the regulation is more a signal of market direction than an immediate factor in the decision.
Browse EVs on FindVolta to get ready for the transition.