On Tuesday, the European Parliament approved CO2-cutting targets, which ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035.
The Pack ‘Fit for 55’originally proposed on 14 July 2021, aims to contribute to the European Union’s common climate goals for 2030 and 2050 by directing the automotive industry towards low-cost technologies. emissions and zero emissions, and makes it more possible for consumers to adapt the aforementioned technologies.
Banning the sale of CO2 cars by 2035 would support the goal of a carbon-neutral transport sector by 2050, considering the average lifespan of a new vehicle is 15 years.
The ban, passed by 340 votes in favor, 279 against and 21 abstentions, will support the EU’s ambitious emissions reduction targets to reduce CO2 emissions from new cars and trucks by 100% year-on-year. 2021.
The legislation will apply to passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, although the European Commission also detailed new emissions targets on Tuesday for buses and heavy vehicles.
The commission clarified on the impact of the law on small-volume manufacturers, stating that manufacturers responsible for producing 1000 to 10,000 new cars ‘may be granted a deferral of enforcement’ an additional 12 months, and manufacturers of less than 1,000 vehicles per year will remain fully exempt.
This means that specialized supercar manufacturers like Praga And Koenigsegg will not stop producing super cars powered by internal combustion engines.
The existing Zero Emissions and Low Emission Vehicle (ZLEV) Incentive Program, which rewards manufacturers who prioritize production of low-emission vehicle models such as BEVs and PHEVs, will have a revised benchmark of 25% for new car sales and 17 percent for new trucks.
Most major manufacturers are on board, including Mercedes-Benz, audioAnd peugeotwith the majority aiming to fully electrify their lineup by 2030.
The European Commission has also set intermediate targets to allow progress checks, set at a 55% reduction in emissions for cars and 50% for trucks by 2030.
“These goals create clarity for the auto industry and stimulate innovation and investment for automakers,” said Jan Huitema, member in charge of drafting the legislation.
“Buying and driving zero-emission cars will become cheaper for consumers and the second hand market will emerge faster.”
The European Parliament has reassured citizens that consumers will still be able to drive their current petrol or diesel car regardless of the sales ban, but reckons that by 2050 most of these vehicles will be no longer suitable for riding on the road.
It describes the trend of low-emission vehicles in favor of battery-powered vehicles due to their lower cost of ownership compared to hydrogen and e-fuel alternatives.
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BMW iX5 Hydro
However, brands such as Hyundai and BMW say they believe in the value of hydrogen-powered vehicles and will continue to invest in research and development in the region.
The European Parliament hopes these upcoming regulations will reduce the average price of electric vehicles through increased competition and incentives for manufacturers, while at the same time the market for used electric vehicles will grow.
The most frequently raised issue with electric vehicles is battery waste management, which the European Parliament intends to address with further legislation to ensure CO2-neutral manufacturing and recycling processes.
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Ford Mustang Mach-E
The 2035 ban will have to be formally endorsed by the Council of Europe before it is published in the Official EU Journal, which is expected to take place in March.
In line with its unequivocal commitment to electrification in Europe, Ford of Europe also announced this week that it will cut 3800 of its workforce as it restructures its product development and manufacturing processes.
Locally, the Australian government has announced plans to reach net zero emissions by 2050, but no such bans or laws are planned for the local auto market.
Australia has been slower than other markets in the use of electric vehicles, however, the Albanese Labor Government has shown an interest in backing the issue, gaining support from the Green Party to overcome it. Electric car discount bill.
