EU ICE sales ban set

Internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger car and light commercial van sales will be banned from 2035, the European Union (EU) member states decided at the EU Council, setting the pace for more EVs.

The regulation will apply on the 20^th day after it is published in the EU’s official journal.

E-fuels remain outside the scope of the agreement, says Electrive.com, adding the sales ban is a crucial part of Europe’s ‘Fit for 55’ climate package, with member states apart from Italy, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria agreeing to the ban.

Swedish climate and environment minister Romina Pourmokhtari is reported as saying the new rules will bring opportunities for cutting-edge technologies and create momentum for the industry to invest in a fossil-free future.

Manufacturers can continue to market ICE vehicles but must pay a premium of 95 euros per gram of CO2/km above target per registered vehicle if their emissions target is exceeded in a given year, the report adds.

In 2026 the EU Commission will “thoroughly assess the progress made towards achieving the 2035 100% emission reduction targets”, with the review considering technological developments, including plug-in hybrid technologies and the importance of a viable and socially equitable transition towards zero emissions, says the council.

The proposal to revise the CO2 emissions performance standards for cars and vans is part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package. Presented by the EU Commission on July 14, 2021, the package will enable the EU to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and to achieve climate neutrality in 2050, says Electrive.com.

The EU Parliament adopted the regulation earlier this year and the council adoption on March 28 is the last step of the decision-making procedure.