Europe’s driving ban on petrol and diesel cars lifted by 2035 – report

A bold European Union plan to effectively ban the sale of new vehicles with petrol and diesel engines – including hybrid cars – appears to have been scrapped.

According to Germany Picture newspaper and then ReutersA senior German lawmaker has announced that the plan – which would have required all new cars sold in Europe to be zero-emission and therefore effectively electric vehicles (EVs) from 2035 – will not be implemented.

Instead, a 90 percent reduction in exhaust emissions will reportedly be required, likely forcing automakers to incorporate hybrid technology into gasoline and diesel models.

“For new registrations from 2035 onwards, the automobile manufacturers’ fleet targets now require a reduction in CO2 emissions by 90 percent instead of 100 percent,” said politician Mandred Weber Picture, accordingly Automotive News.

With Daily Sparkz you can save thousands on a new car. Click Here to get a great deal.

“From 2040 onwards there will be no 100 percent target. This means that the technology ban for combustion engines is off the table.”

Mr Weber’s comments are in direct contradiction to recent media reports from Europe that the ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars is set to be extended by five years until 2040.

Leaders of six European countries had lobbied the European Commission – the legislative arm of the European Union – to lift the ban in 2035. A letter signed by Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria called for the inclusion of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) and hydrogen fuel cell cars (FCEVs).

The Volkswagen Group, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Renault Group, And Stellar – the parent company of 14 car brands, including Alfa Romeo, Jeep, And Peugeot – have also actively campaigned against the proposed plan.