Europe will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 under a new law passed this week.
The legislation will require the 27 member countries to only sell cars that produce zero carbon emissions by 2035.
The new law will help achieve the EU’s net-zero emissions by 2050 target.
Are there any exceptions to the Europe petrol and diesel car ban?
Vehicles powered by e-fuels can still be sold after 2035, subject to a review in 2026.
E-fuels have previously been marketed as a climate-friendly option for some cars. This is because they release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, but also capture carbon dioxide emissions when the e-fuel is made.
It is argued they’re carbon-neutral because they capture a similar amount of emissions in the manufacturing process as to what’s released.
Opposition response
Poland opposed the law. They argued that anticipated rises in fuel costs would be borne by citizens and exacerbate pre-existing exclusion and poverty.
They called the legislation “incompatible” with an equitable and fair emissions reduction strategy, and also argued it didn’t take into account the “differing circumstances” of member states.
Italy abstained from voting. They suggested a greater focus on electrification infrastructure and access to avoid “undesirable economic, industrial, and social impacts”.
