End of the sale of new vehicles in Europe that emit CO2 from 2035

An agreement recently reached by the European Parliament and the Council must ensure that from 2035 all new passenger cars and vans registered in Europe are zero emission.

As an intermediate step towards zero emissions, the new carbon dioxide (CO2) rules will also require that by 2030 the average emissions of new passenger cars decrease by 55%, while new vans must reduce their emissions by fifty%.

This agreement constitutes the first step in the adoption of the “Objective 55” legislative proposals presented by the Commission in July 2021 and demonstrates, with a view to holding COP27, the national application by the European Union of its international commitments in terms of climate.

Franz Timmermans, Executive Vice President for the European Green Deal, said: “The agreement sends a clear signal to industry and consumers: Europe is embracing the transition to zero-emission mobility. European car manufacturers are already showing that they are willing to take responsibility, with an increasing number of electric cars coming onto the market and at more affordable prices. The speed with which this change has occurred in recent years is remarkable. It is no wonder that this is the first of the entire ‘Goal 55′ package on which the Member States and the European Parliament have reached final agreement.’

This clear signal to manufacturers and citizens will speed up the production and sale of low and zero emission vehicles and put road transport on a firm path towards climate neutrality by 2050.

An electric van and motorcycle. (Photo: NASA/Kim Shiflett)

This new legislation will make the European Union’s transport system more sustainable, provide cleaner air for Europeans and mark an important step in the implementation of the European Green Deal. (Source: European Commission)