UPDATE: EU lawmakers back ban on combustion-engine cars in 2035

 

STRASBOURG: Members of the European Parliament will discuss and vote today on the eight proposals made last year to gradually reduce CO2 emissions in Europe, in the aim of achieving carbon-neutrality by 2050.

Among these proposals is the controversial suggestion of banning the sale of new combustion engine vehicles from 2035. But whatever the outcome, most carmakers have already taken the lead on this front.

The idea is that by 2035, not a single new car with an internal combustion engine would be sold in Europe.

This does not include the second-hand market.

Nevertheless, in the space of a few years, the share of used electric cars should logically increase as their sales on the new market also increase.

Certain member states have already taken steps in this direction on a national scale.

In France, for example, legislation has already set the date of 2040 to end the sale of combustion engine cars.

A new law voted at European level would speed up the shift.

While the 13-year deadline may unsettle consumers, manufacturers are already prepared.

At least, they are anticipating this transition, since the vast majority of carmakers have already announced the end of their production of gasoline and diesel cars.

This is already the case for Volvo, which is setting an example in the field.

All of its models are now electric - either 100% electric or plug-in hybrids.

This should also be the case for DS, Jaguar Land Rover, Maserati and Mercedes by 2026. Bentley and Porsche are aiming for 2030.

Volkswagen, meanwhile, has planned to switch entirely to electric vehicles by 2035 - potentially just in time.

Renault has long been a pioneer of 100% electric models and is even preparing to revive its legendary R5 and 4L in this new form. The Stellantis group (Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, Fiat) has also set itself the target of not selling any more combustion engine models by 2030.

According to a study published a year ago by Ernst & Young, electric car sales are expected to represent the majority worldwide by 2033. In Europe, the tipping point could come even sooner, from 2028.

Other measures in this "Green Deal" include the creation of a new carbon tax on imports, new targets for land use and forestry, and the launch of a fund to help people affected by energy poverty.

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