Gasoline and diesel cars
In a plenary vote on June 8, members of the European Parliament voted to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars by 2035. Part of the “Fit for 55 in 2030” package, the revised CO2 emissions standards for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, obtained 339 votes in favour, 249 against and 24 abstentions.
“An ambitious review of CO2 standards is a crucial part of achieving our climate goals. With these standards, we are creating clarity for the auto industry and can stimulate innovation and investment for auto manufacturers. In addition, buying and driving zero-emission cars will become cheaper for consumers. I am thrilled by the European Parliament’s support for an ambitious review of the 2030 targets and support a 100% target for 2035, which is crucial to achieving climate neutrality by 2050,” said Rapporteur Jan Huitema (Renew, NL).
While the measure must still be debated by the European Council before it becomes law, parliamentary voting is a crucial step in the process.
Zero emissions target by 2035
With the approved text, which constitutes the European Parliament’s position to negotiate with Member States, MEPs supported the Commission’s proposal to achieve zero-emissions road mobility by 2035 (an EU fleet-wide target to reduce emissions produced by new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles by 100% compared to 2021). Interim emission reduction targets for 2030 would be set at 55% for cars and 50% for vans.
Cars currently account for 12% of all CO2 emissions in the EU’s 27-member bloc, while transport in general accounts for around a quarter.
Electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounted for 18% of new passenger cars sold in the EU last year.
“The auto industry will fully contribute to the goal of a carbon neutral Europe by 2050. Our industry is in the midst of a huge push towards electric vehicles, with new models arriving steadily. They are meeting customer demands and driving the transition to sustainable mobility,” said Oliver Zipse, President of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) and CEO of BMW.
“But given the volatility and uncertainty we are experiencing globally on a day-to-day basis, any long-term regulation that goes beyond this decade is premature at this early stage. Instead, a transparent mid-way review is needed to set the post-2030 targets.”
The proposed measures
On 14 July 2021, as part of the Fit for 55 package, the Commission presented a legislative proposal for a review of the CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The proposal aims to contribute to the EU’s 2030 and 2050 climate goals, deliver benefits to citizens through wider deployment of zero-emission vehicles (better air quality, energy savings and lower vehicle ownership costs), as well as how to stimulate innovation in zero-emission technologies.
On May 11, 2022, the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) Committee adopted its position on the proposed rules to revise CO2 emission performance standards for new gasoline cars and vans, according to the the EU’s growing climate ambition. In the report, MEPs expressed their support for the Commission’s proposal to achieve zero-emissions road mobility by 2035. The proposed measures include:
- removal of the incentive mechanism for zero and low emission vehicles (ZLEV) as it no longer serves its original purpose;
- a report from the Commission on progress towards zero emission road mobility by the end of 2025 and annually thereafter, covering the impact on consumers and employment, the level of use of renewable energy, as well as information on the market for second-hand (used) vehicles;
- Gradually reduce the eco-innovation limit, in line with the stricter targets proposed (the current limit of 7g CO2/km must remain until 2024, followed by 5g from 2025, 4g from 2027 and 2g by the end from 2034);
- a report from the Commission, by the end of 2023, detailing the need for targeted funding to ensure a just transition in the automotive sector, to mitigate the negative impact on employment and other economic impacts;
- a common EU methodology, by 2023, to assess the full lifecycle CO2 emissions of cars and vans placed on the EU market, as well as for the fuels and energy consumed by these vehicles.
