- 2022-07-01
In a compromise, the European Union agreed to ban the sale of petrol cars by 2035
The eu's 27 environment ministers have agreed to ban the sale of petrol cars in the EU by 2035, heralding the end of the internal combustion engine. "I have every confidence that the European car industry can cope." Frans Timmermans, first Vice President of the European Commission, said, "Our car manufacturers are among the leaders of European industry, and they can remain so as they accept this global transformation."
It is worth mentioning that the agreement is the result of multiple compromises. A non-binding rider proposed by Germany would require registration of vehicles using carbon-neutral fuels after 2035. Italy's Minister for Ecological Transformation, Roberto Singrani, said he was satisfied with the compromise proposed by Germany.
After lengthy discussions, the eu's 27 environment ministers agreed to ban the sale of petrol cars in the EU by 2035, marking the end of the internal combustion engine.
The agreement sets out the negotiating positions of member states for further negotiations with the European Parliament and commission on the final shape of what the EU calls a "landmark greenhouse gas reduction plan suitable for 55 countries". Most car companies are likely to have to switch to electric vehicles in more than a decade because of Eu support for the industry to move away from fossil fuels.
"I have every confidence that the European car industry can cope." Frans Timmermans, the First vice president of the European Commission, said, "Our automakers are among the leaders of European industry, and they can remain so as they embrace this global transformation."
As part of the package, governments also agreed to strengthen the EU emissions trading system and strengthen its price control mechanism. They also want to delay a new "carbon market for heating and road transport fuels" by a year and create a climate fund to help the most vulnerable and reduce the cost of a new cap-and-trade scheme.
Agnes Pannier-Runacher, France's Minister for Energy Transition, said: "Thanks to this agreement, Europe is taking the lead in addressing the climate challenge and in technology. We are also ensuring a just transition for every member state, every territory and every citizen."
It is worth mentioning that the agreement is the result of multiple compromises. A non-binding rider proposed by Germany would require registration of vehicles using carbon-neutral fuels after 2035. Roberto Cingolani, Italy's minister for ecological Transformation, said he was satisfied with the compromise proposed by Germany.
Italy had previously sought, along with four other member states, to reduce emissions by 90 per cent for carmakers by 2035 and extend exemptions for small car makers. The European Commission, by contrast, aims to cut emissions across the board by 2035.
Niche carmakers such as Lamborghini had made concessions on carbon emissions and would not be targeted in the interim until the end of 2035, Mr Pennieel-runachel said. It is reported that the MID-TERM target proposed by the EU starts from 2029.
The environmental group Transport and Environment welcomed the agreement but called on members of the European Parliament to eliminate any possibility of exploiting the synfuel loophole. Synthetic fuels are more expensive for cars and far less efficient at using renewable electricity than electrification, the group says.
"The end of the internal combustion engine is good news for the climate," said Julia Poliscanova, senior director of cars and electric Mobility at the Transport and Environment group. "But the new proposals on fuel are a shifting of responsibility."