European Union lawmakers have approved a plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 as part of a wider package of climate measures, as reported by Reuters on February 14. The decision aims to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, and reach carbon neutrality by 2050. The ban will also apply to hybrid vehicles that have an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. However, the European Parliament rejected a proposal to impose a carbon tax on fossil fuels used in transport, which was aimed at discouraging the use of petrol and diesel vehicles.

To support the transition to electric vehicles, the EU plans to invest in charging infrastructure and battery technology. The aim is to ensure that drivers have easy access to charging points, regardless of their location. The ban is expected to drive further innovation in the industry and encourage carmakers to develop new technologies that will help reduce the cost of electric vehicles, increase their range and make them more accessible to consumers. Overall, the decision by EU lawmakers to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 is a major step towards reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change.

https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/eu-lawmakers-approve-effective-2035-ban-new-fossil-fuel-cars-2023-02-14/

https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20230214-eu-gives-final-approval-to-2035-ban-on-new-fossil-fuel-car-sales