Polestar CEO Pushes Back on Efforts to Roll Back Europe’s Combustion Engine Ban

Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller has come out against moves to undo Europe’s planned phase-out of combustion engine vehicles, according to Automotive News. His position puts him at odds with parts of the auto industry that have been lobbying for the 2035 target to be softened or scrapped.

The debate over the ban has intensified as Europe’s EV transition faces uneven demand, infrastructure gaps and cost pressures. While some manufacturers want more flexibility on the timeline, Lohscheller’s stance signals that at least one EV-focused brand sees the regulation as a foundation for long-term planning rather than a burden to be lifted.

Polestar, which positions itself as a performance EV maker, has a clear stake in keeping the regulatory direction stable. Reopening the rules would create uncertainty for product cycles, investments and supply chains that have already been aligned with electrification.

The exchange reflects a wider split in the industry: automakers heavily invested in electric lineups tend to defend the target, while those with larger legacy combustion portfolios push for a slower path. How European policymakers respond will shape not only vehicle lineups but also the pace of charging and battery investment across the region.