At the end of November 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wrote to Commission President von der Leyen demanding that plug-in hybrids and electric cars with range extenders still be allowed to be registered after 2035. This should also apply to “highly efficient combustion engines” (actually only mentioned in the letter as the position of the state premiers – which is why, according to the SPD's interpretation, the government continues to advocate only for exceptions for plug-in hybrids and electric cars with range extenders).

However, “cars with a dual drive system consisting of a battery drive and a combustion engine” are mentioned independently of this. This can also be interpreted as a mild hybrid (without external charging capability). Another key point in the letter is that the emissions resulting from the exemptions after 2035 must be “offset in the automotive and fuel sectors.” In addition to biofuels, eFuels in particular can play a role here and accelerate the market ramp-up of such synthetic fuels. Other emission reductions – for example, through “European ‘green’ steel or in battery cell production as part of our European value creation – should also be allowed to count toward the achievement of fleet targets.”

VDMA will continue to follow the process closely. 

Picture: Shutterstock