The EU governments have decided that sales of gasoline-powered automobiles and vans would cease in 2035.
The decision is a significant step toward enacting a historic law that will eliminate all emissions from new automobiles. After the European Parliament’s vote in favor earlier this month, authorities will shortly open negotiations with MEPs on the actual legislation, but the result is a virtual certainty.
The phase-out will have a huge impact on Europe’s largest and most persistent source of emissions: transportation. Cars alone account for 12% of all carbon dioxide emissions in the Eurozone.
Despite enormous lobbying from manufacturers, engine producers, and the oil sector, governments agreed to the EU Commission’s phase-out strategy.
Transport utilizes 65 percent of Europe’s oil, virtually all of which is foreign, but the EU resolution will reduce its financial assistance to authoritarian regimes and put an end to the agony of high gasoline costs for drivers.
European countries have made a historic decision to ban the sale of polluting automobiles. The major source of emissions is transportation, and automobiles contribute significantly to the problem.
Today marks a significant advancement in the fight against climate change and reducing air pollution, and making electric vehicles more affordable. Furthermore, the combustion engine’s demise coincides with Europe’s struggle to reduce its reliance on Russia for oil.
Ultimately, the EU and government bodies should prioritize serving infrastructure and workforce preparation for the shift to zero-emission vehicle manufacture.
So, instead of wasting time on e-fuels, let us concentrate on charging infrastructure, preparing personnel for the electric transformation, and responsibly procuring battery materials.