EU To Quit Selling New Petrol, Diesel Car In 2035

The European Union member states on Tuesday passed an emissions law that would prevent the EU from selling any new vehicles or vans that release carbon dioxide beyond 2035.

According to the EU, the new regulations aim to reduce CO2 emissions from new vehicles by 55% and new vans by 50% between 2030 and 2034, respectively, and by 100% starting in 2035.

The historic agreement was made possible because Germany, the country with the largest economy, automobile market, and automaker, successfully lobbied for and obtained an e-fuels exemption.

Germany requested that sales of new automobiles with internal combustion engines continue through the year 2035 provided they are powered by e-fuels, and it received that request late last week.

Thus, the EU member states decided today to stop selling new ICE automobiles after 2035 if they do not use e-fuels.

“The regulation contains a reference to e-fuels, whereby following a consultation with stakeholders, the Commission will make a proposal for registering vehicles running exclusively on CO2-neutral fuels, after 2035, in conformity with EU law, outside the scope of the fleet standards, and in conformity with the EU’s climate neutrality objective,” the EU said in a statement.

According to the new legislation, the European Commission will evaluate the EU's progress towards the goal in 2026. If the goals need to be revised, the Commission will make that decision.

“The review will take into account technological developments, including with regard to plug-in hybrid technologies and the importance of a viable and socially equitable transition towards zero emissions,” the Council of the EU said.

Frans Timmermans, executive vice president for the European Green Deal, made the following statement in response to the formal ratification of the 2035 end to new gasoline and diesel automobile sales.

“the EU has taken an important step towards zero-emission mobility.”

“The direction is clear: in 2035 new cars and vans must have zero emissions.

"It brings a big contribution to climate neutrality by 2050 and is a key part of the #EUGreenDeal,” Timmermans added.