Brussels (Brussels Morning) The latest of the European Commission’s sweeping climate reform plans reportedly includes regulations intended to completely phase out internal combustion engines in new cars no later than 2035.
Citing insider sources, AFP notes the proposed regulations would also push out hybrid and hybrid-rechargeable models, long seen as an interim technology intended to help bridge the gap between internal combustion engines and battery-electric cars.
The proposal is likely to be presented on 14 July as part of a comprehensive package of measures aimed at reaching the Union’s new, ambitious target of achieving a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
However, the exclusion of hybrid models might provoke a significant backlash from several industry heavyweights, which are behind in adopting all-electric and had therefore banked on making hybrids. These include Daimler, BMW and Stellantis, which produces the Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat models.
Some EU member states had already introduced an earlier, more ambitious expiration date for petrol and diesel cars. Germany, Slovenia, Sweden, the Netherlands and Denmark all aim to introduce local legislation banning sales of greenhouse-gas-emitting cars from 2030.
With Germany onboard, and the German automotive giant VW fully behind the initiative – having already committed to stop selling internal combustion vehicles by 2035 – the proposal could well survive the coming negotiations with individual member states and the European Parliament.
A slew of other initiatives leaked to the press in recent days, reveal the extent of the Commission’s ambition to tackle climate change. Proposals include an overhaul of the EU emissions trading system, the mandatory increase of natural carbon sinks for all member states, and the introduction of tax on aviation fuel.
