Prohibition of thermal vehicles: deputies say no to 2035
The National Assembly decided. Monday, February 17, the deputies refused to register in French law The prohibition of the sale of new thermal cars in 2035yet acted at European level. France therefore maintains, for the moment, its own calendar set at 2040.
A decision made in a clear hemicycle. Thirty-four deputies, mainly of the national rally, voted for the abolition of the article in question, against 30 opposite votes, resulting in particular from the ranks of Renaissance, environmentalists and rebellious France.
Economic and social arguments
Opponents of this advanced ban put forward economic and social arguments. Matthias Renault (RN) stressed that the cost of electric cars was too high for many households. “” It is necessary to leave more time to the French and to the manufacturers to adapt “, He argued.
For her part, the macronist deputy Danielle Brulebois recalled that Brussels provided for a “review clause” in 2026 to assess the progress of the car fleet. She considered it unnecessary to anticipate this date without prior reassessment.
A committed but worried sector
Opposite, the Minister of Industry and Energy, Marc Ferracci, defended the target of 2035, ensuring that the entire automotive sector had already set in motion. However, he recognized that manufacturers demanded more flexibility, in particular concerning fines related to the objectives of reducing CO2 emissions provided for in 2025.
A pressure transition
Despite this French decision, the target of 2035 remains in force at European level. But the dispute rises. Between sales of halftone electric cars and the increased competition of Chinese manufacturers, some plead for a relaxation of the rules.
The European Commission, aware of the difficulties, has already launched consultation with manufacturers. An action plan must be unveiled in early March to help them cross this course. It remains to be seen if France will follow the movement or will continue to play the watch.
