Member states have approved the legislation and will sign it into law shortly.
This means that sales of new gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles will be forbidden after 2035.
The legislation also includes provisions to reduce emissions from large trucks and buses.
Much has been said about the European Union’s proposed ban on the sales of new vehicles powered by internal combustion engines by 2035, but it is now about to become official.
The member states have now passed all of the required legislation and they are set to sign it into law shortly.
This ban aims to reduce polluting emissions in Europe by the middle of the century when the majority of the gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles sold before 2035 are expected to be taken off the roads.
Since passenger vehicles currently generate about 15% of the greenhouse gases in the European Union, member states will have to take further measures to reach their goal of becoming a “climate-neutral” economy by 2050.
Supporters of the ban claim that in addition to reducing local pollution in cities, this ban will provide a clear timeframe for the electrification of the European auto industry, which could help German, French, and Italian automakers better compete with Chinese and American competition.
On the other hand, opponents say that buyers and automakers are not ready for such a quick transition, which could favour foreign competitors who don’t have to renew their entire lineups in the same timeframe completely.
In addition, the Centre-Right European People’s Party (EPP) warns about the possibility of the “Havana Effect”, which takes its name from a phenomenon observed in Cuba after the American Embargo when into effect in 1962.
This means that many drivers could continue to drive their old gasoline-powered vehicles long after the ban because they can’t afford or find a suitable EV, or simply because they don’t want to make the transition.
The legislation also includes provisions to reduce the emissions generated by trucks weighing more than 5 tonnes as well as buses weighing more than 7,5 tonnes.
To comply, the diesel engines used in these vehicles will have to produce 45% fewer emissions in 2030, 65% in 2035, and 90% in 2040 than their 2019 levels.
Additionally, all city buses will have to be completely emissions-free by 2030, but unlike passenger vehicles, they could be powered by hydrogen engines or fuel cells in addition to electricity.
Source: Yahoo! news
