DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

Can You Buy an E-Fuel Car After 2035? What the EU Rules Actually Say

The 2023 EU-German compromise called for a proposal on cars running exclusively on CO₂-neutral fuels; it did not itself exempt e-fuel cars from the 2035 rules.
Entry210 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Not under a general e-fuel exemption created by the 2023 EU-German deal. The enacted EU law sets 2035 fleet-wide CO₂ targets for new cars and vans, while asking the Commission to propose a route for vehicles that run exclusively on CO₂-neutral fuels. That recital is not itself an operative registration exemption. Separately, the Commission’s December 2025 proposal would revise the target, but the Commission describes it as a proposal, not enacted law.

What did the 2023 EU-German deal actually do?

It kept the 2035 target in the EU’s car-emissions law and added a commitment to work on a possible route for certain vehicles using CO₂-neutral fuels. It did not immediately authorize new petrol cars after 2035 simply because they use e-fuel.

The law is Regulation (EU) 2023/851, adopted by the European Parliament and Council on 19 April 2023 and published in the Official Journal on 25 April 2023. It amends Regulation (EU) 2019/631. From 1 January 2035, the regulation sets a 100% reduction target, against the 2021 target baseline, for the EU fleet-wide average CO₂ emissions of new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles. Read the regulation.

The target applies to manufacturers’ fleets of new vehicles; it is not a requirement for individual owners to scrap their existing cars, nor a ban on continuing to drive them. The Commission’s current cars-and-vans page says passenger cars account for 16% of total EU CO₂ emissions and light commercial vehicles for 3%. See the Commission’s cars-and-vans information.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Airfix Starter Set Model Kit Car - A55009 Jaguar E-Type - 1:43 Scale Plastic Car Kits to Build and Paint for Adults & Kids 14+, Includes Paints - Mens Hobbies Kits, Skill Lvl. 1
  • Jaguar E-Type Scale Model Kit: A 1960’s icon, the outstanding Jaguar E-Type is the perfect combination of a powerful sports car and a competitively priced luxury vehicle. The striking model claims a top speed of 150MPH thanks to taking its racing DNA from the Le Mans winning Jaguar D-type
  • Car Model Building Kits: There are a whole range of easy Airfix plastic model car kits to discover! With various sizes of model cars to build and paint spanning across decades of motoring history, from the early days of motor sport right through to the muscle cars of the present day, there's a classic car model kit for everyone at Airfix
  • Mens Hobbies Kits: Whether you’re an adult looking for an Airfix cars gift set or a kid wanting to advance to the next level, these small to large scale model car kits offer more to advanced modelers. Starter auto model kits come with paints, brushes and glue ready for you to bring your model kit car to life
  • About this Model: Skill Level 1 (where 1 is for the beginner and 4 is for the more experienced modeler) - Unpainted model car kits, ideal model cars for adults to build or older kids with some experience in model building. This set has 23 Parts and includes: 1:43 Jaguar E-Type, 4x Humbrol Acrylic Paints, 1x Paint Brush, 1x Poly Cement Glue
  • About Airfix: UK's oldest plastic model kit manufacturer since 1952, offers a diverse range of iconic aircraft models, plastic figures, buildings, diorama kits, historical ships, vehicles, and innovative Quickbuild models for beginners. From RAF gifts and WW2 gifts to more modern vehicles, there's model building kits for every occasion

Does the 2023 law exempt e-fuel cars after 2035?

No. Recital 11 of the regulation says that, after consulting stakeholders, the Commission will make a proposal for registering after 2035 vehicles running exclusively on CO₂-neutral fuels. The proposed route must conform to EU law, sit outside the fleet standards and be consistent with the EU’s climate-neutrality objective. The recital does not set out a detailed approval process or make an exemption available on its own.

“Exclusively” matters: the wording does not promise eligibility to every combustion vehicle that can use a fuel sold as synthetic or e-fuel. The legal text leaves the criteria and mechanism to follow-up work. In March 2023, the Commission said it would submit proposals through the ordinary decision-making procedures, further indicating that additional legislation was contemplated rather than already in force. Read the Commission’s March 2023 statement.

Rank #2
Level 5 Model Kit XK-E (E-Type) 1/24 Scale Model by Revell 85-4509
  • Brand new box. Soft black tires. Colorful decal artwork. Poseable front wheels. Vintage style packaging. Chrome windshield frame. Officially licensed product. Chrome plated small parts. Contains 142 detailed parts. Paint and cement required (not included). Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Choice of right and left-hand driver positions. Parts molded in RED, unless otherwise indicated. "Chrome" trim detail can be striped on with silver paint. Detailed 3.8 lt. 6 cylinder engine and tubular sub frame. Dimensions approximately L-6.75 inches long assembled.

What changed in the Commission’s December 2025 proposal?

On 16 December 2025, the Commission presented an Automotive Package proposing a different approach from the 2023 enacted target: a 90% reduction in tailpipe emissions from 2035, with the remaining 10% compensated through low-carbon steel made in the EU or through e-fuels and biofuels. The Commission says the proposal could leave a role for plug-in hybrids, range extenders, mild hybrids and internal-combustion vehicles alongside battery-electric and hydrogen vehicles. Read the package announcement.

The Commission’s cars-and-vans page also describes this as a proposed revision. The sources available here do not establish whether the proposal has since been adopted or amended. It should therefore not be treated as the current law without checking the final legislative record. Nor does the proposal summary establish detailed post-2035 eligibility or type-approval rules for any particular e-fuel car.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Revell Volkswagen Beetle Model Car Kit - All-Included Gift Set 77681
  • ALL-INCLUDED MODEL KIT – Get straight into model building without the hassle of looking for paint, glue, or accessories; this model gift set kit includes basic Revell paints, a brush, and glue.
  • SKILL LEVEL 3 – FUN & APPROACHABLE - Designed for beginner to intermediate builders, offering a balanced and rewarding model building experience for ages 10+
  • DETAILED 1:32 SCALE VW BEETLE MODEL – Build a faithful replica of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle in 1:32 scale, recreating one of the most recognizable automobiles in automotive history.
  • 24-PART MODEL WITH MOVABLE WHEELS – Features 24 parts and movable wheels that add realism and enhance the appearance of the finished model.
  • INTERNATIONAL DECAL OPTIONS INCLUDED – Comes with a decal sheet featuring license plates from 8 countries, allowing builders to customize their finished VW Beetle.
Question 2023 enacted regulation December 2025 Commission proposal
Legal status Enacted regulation Proposal, as described by the Commission
2035 target 100% reduction in fleet-wide average emissions for new cars and vans, against the 2021 target baseline 90% reduction in tailpipe emissions
How the remaining emissions are addressed Recital 11 calls for a later proposal concerning vehicles running exclusively on CO₂-neutral fuels, outside the fleet standards Proposed compensation through EU-made low-carbon steel or e-fuels and biofuels
Specific post-2035 vehicle eligibility and approval process Not established by the recital Not established in the Commission’s proposal summary

Can you buy a new petrol car after 2035?

The 2023 regulation does not establish a general path for new petrol cars after 2035. Its recital points toward a possible proposal for vehicles using exclusively CO₂-neutral fuels, but the operative details are not supplied by that text. The Commission’s 2025 proposal could alter the framework if adopted, but its stated approach is not yet a basis for saying that a specific combustion-engine car will be eligible for registration after 2035.

That is different from keeping or driving a car already on the road: the 2035 fleet target addresses new vehicles and does not itself require existing vehicles to be taken out of service.

Rank #4
Revell 14582 1982 Chevy Camaro Berlinetta 1:25 Scale Model Car Building Kit
  • ICONIC 1982 CAMARO BERLINETTA - Build a piece of 80s automotive history with this Chevy Camaro Berlinetta, recreated with its signature front and rear bumper styling.
  • HIGHLY DETAILED 100-PIECE KIT - Includes 100 precision parts for an immersive and rewarding advanced-level building experience.
  • CUSTOM STREET MACHINE FEATURES - Optional parts include headlight covers, pro-stock hood scoop, and aero-disc wheel covers for a personalized build.
  • V8 PERFORMANCE UNDER THE HOOD - Features a detailed blown small-block Chevy V8 engine, capturing classic street machine power and style.
  • POSEABLE FRONT WHEELS - Chassis allows front wheels to turn left or right, adding realism and dynamic display options.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What do the recent EU vehicle figures show?

The Commission reports that average CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars registered in Europe fell 28% between 2019 and 2024; for new vans, the reduction was 9%. For 2024, zero-emission vehicles made up 14.5% of new car registrations and 6.4% of new van registrations in the EU plus Norway and Iceland. The Commission says the zero-emission share rose further in 2025 but gives no percentage in the cited passage. These figures describe market trends, not the legal status of the e-fuel proposal. See the Commission’s figures and policy overview.

Best Value
E-Gaultra 2520311 Fuel Pump Replacement Kits for ATV Models
  • Replace #OE: 2520311 2520437 2204719 2520464 2520438
  • Compatible Models: Compatible with Polaris Sportsman 500 2006; for Sportsman 550 2007; for Sportsman 500-X2 2006-2007; for Sportsman 500-HO-X2 2008; for Sportsman 700 2004-2006; for Sportsman 800-EFI 2005-2006; for Sportsman 800-X2 2007.(all-terrain vehicle,atv)
  • Package Include: Fuel Pump Replacement Kits
  • Please Note: Please check model and the #OE before purchasing.
  • Customer Service: If you have any questions, please contact us promptly (24-hour online).

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.