EU’s New Rules on Combustion Engine Cars: Environmental Progress or Missed Opportunity?

Breaking News: EU to Allow Sale of Cars with Internal Combustion Engines from 2035, Provided They Run on Electric Fuel

The European Union has just announced a major new policy shift on the sale of cars with internal combustion engines (ICEs). According to a statement released by the EU Commission, member states will be allowed to sell ICE vehicles until 2035, provided that they run on electric fuels such as hydrogen or biofuels.

The move is a significant departure from the EU’s previous stance on ICE vehicles, which had been to phase them out entirely by 2035. However, the new policy has been hailed as a compromise that will help to promote the use of cleaner fuels while still allowing for the sale of traditional vehicles.

In a statement, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “Our goal is to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. To achieve this, we must promote the transition to clean, sustainable transport. However, we also recognize that many EU citizens still rely on ICE vehicles for their daily lives. By allowing the sale of ICE vehicles until 2035, but only if they run on electric fuels, we are providing a practical and achievable path towards a cleaner transport system.”

Under the new policy, member states will be required to set targets for the deployment of charging and refueling infrastructure for electric and other clean fuels. They will also be required to promote the use of electric vehicles in public and private fleets.

The move has been welcomed by environmental groups, who see it as a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable transport. However, some industry groups have raised concerns about the impact on the automotive sector, which may need to adapt rapidly to the new policy.

Overall, the EU’s decision to allow the sale of ICE vehicles until 2035, but only if they run on electric fuels, is a bold move that reflects the urgent need to address climate change while still taking into account the practical needs of EU citizens. As the world looks towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, the EU is setting an example for others to follow.