The European Union has officially made a decision to ban new internal combustion engine cars from 2035.
Expected to reshape road traffic globally, ban marks an important step on the road towards zero emissions in the area.
The decision, agreed by three key EU bodies – the executive body, parliament and member states – states that vehicle manufacturers must achieve zero emissions by 2035.
That means new diesel and gasoline-powered cars won’t be eligible for registration and use on the region’s roads after 2035, hence the transition to all-electric vehicles. by electricity will be effectively accelerated.
In addition, the agreement includes a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions for new cars sold from 2030 when measured against 2021 levels, a significant increase from the current 37.5% target. in.
Frans Timmermans, Vice-President of the European Commission Executive Committee, said: “European carmakers have proven that they are ready to enter the market, with more and more affordable electric vehicles on the market. will be marketed.
“The speed with which this change has taken place over the past few years is remarkable.”
The deal has global ramifications. As the world’s largest trading bloc, the EU is renowned for setting standards globally and is home to some of the world’s biggest car manufacturers.
Bentley, Ford, Jaguar, Stellantis and Volkswagen have pledged to stop selling cars powered by internal combustion engines by 2035 or earlier.
But there are exceptions to the rule. Smaller manufacturers like Lamborghini, which produce only a small number of vehicles each year, have the ability to recover 12 months from their emissions targets.
Furthermore, a non-binding element supported by member states, calling for the commission to propose the registration of all carbon-neutral fuel vehicles after 2035 was included in the final agreement.
“We are now keen to see the framework conditions needed to meet this goal reflected in EU policies,” said BMW CEO and ACEA president (European partner with FCAI) Oliver Zipse. said.
“These include abundant renewable energy, a seamless network of public and private charging infrastructure, and access to raw materials.”
According to Automotive News Europe, the regulation will be the first to be approved under the EU’s green plan, widely known as “Fit for 55”, which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55%. greenhouse effect in this decade.
Other policies include a major overhaul of the bloc’s carbon market, as well as measures to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
However, there are those who have criticized the deal, saying it could lead to a buildup of older vehicles on EU roads over time rather than potentially more efficient new generations.
European People’s Party lawmaker and negotiator Jens Gieseke said: “With today’s agreement, the ‘Havana effect’ is becoming more real.
“After 2035, our streets could become full of vintage cars, because new cars are not readily available or affordable. Today’s deal slams the door on new technological developments and puts all your eggs in one basket. This is a mistake “.
However, green campaigners, including the Brussels-based group Advocacy and Environment (T&E), have welcomed the ban.
“The days of carbon emissions, polluting combustion engines are finally numbered,” said Julia Poliscanova, senior director of vehicles and e-mobility at T&E.
“It has been 125 years since Rudolf Diesel revolutionized engine performance, but lawmakers have decided the next chapter will be written by better, cleaner electric cars. For the planet and human health, that cannot come fast enough.”
