Sales of new diesel and petrol cars will be phased out across Europe by 2035 despite a lobbying onslaught from fossil fuel and car giants, says an Irish MEP.
Politicians ushered in new legislation on “CO2 emission standards for cars and vans” with 340 votes in favour to 279 against at the European Parliament today. Irish MEP Grace O’Sullivan hailed the move, which she says will shape a Europe “made for people, not traffic”.
The legally binding change effectively means a de facto ban on combustion technology in new cars and vans in 12 years and will be reviewed in 2027 to take account of any progress or otherwise. It also includes a commitment to reduce overall car emissions by 55% by 2030.
