The EU will formally ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2035

The European Parliament has officially passed legislation banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the European Union from 2035 to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.

The new legislation, which is part of a wider EU effort to tackle climate change, requires carmakers to cut carbon emissions from new cars sold by 100% by 2035, meaning no new fossil fuel vehicles can be built . sold in blocks of 27 countries.

With 340 votes in favour, 279 against and 21 abstentions, the new rules also pave the way for more direct emission reduction targets. New cars and vans sold after 2030 are expected to achieve emissions reductions of 55% and 50%, respectively, from 2021 levels. The previous 2030 emissions target for new car sales was 37.5%.

The law was first passed by negotiators from EU countries, the European Parliament and the European Commission last October, so Tuesday’s approval is just one step before the law is formally stamped and the rules come into effect. This is expected to happen in March.

Lawmaker Jan Huitema said these target revisions are crucial steps if Europe is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

“These goals provide clarity for the auto industry and drive innovation and investment for automakers,” Huitema said in a statement. “Buying and driving zero-emission cars will become cheaper for consumers and a market for used cars will emerge more quickly. It makes sustainable driving accessible to everyone.”