The European Parliament has approved a new law that will drastically affect the region’s automotive industry. Automakers have been mandated to sell 100% CO2 emission-free cars by 2035, meaning new internal combustion vehicles cannot be sold from that date in the 27-country bloc.
By 2030, the Parliament wants new cars sold to achieve 50% fewer emissions using 2021 levels as a baseline. That is a significant upgrade to the existing target of 37.5%. New vans must meet the same conditions by 2030 and 2035. The vote passed with 340 members for and 279 against, with 21 abstaining.
Jan Huitema, the Parliament’s lead negotiator on the rules, said: “This regulation encourages the production of zero- and low-emission vehicles. It contains an ambitious revision of the targets for 2030 and a zero-emission target for 2035, which is crucial to reach climate neutrality by 2050.” (via Automotive News)
Huitema added that the new law provides clarity for the auto industry and will stimulate innovation and investments. He also said, “Purchasing and driving zero-emission cars will become cheaper for consumers and a second-hand market will emerge more quickly. It makes sustainable driving accessible to everyone.”
The law was agreed upon in October but will get final approval in March by the European Council.
As the world’s largest trade bloc, the ban is expected to have a global impact. However, many carmakers already have plans to step up their electrification effort, including Volkswagen.
Outside the European Parliament, the UK and Singapore plan to ban sales of new fossil-fuel-powered cars by 2035 and 2040, respectively.
