EU Agrees to Ban New Gas and Diesel Car Sales Starting in 2035

The European Union (EU) has agreed to ban the sale of vehicles that use internal combustion engines starting in 2035. They're doing so to try and prevent the worst climate change forecasts and speed up the switch to non-polluting cars.  

Internal combustion engines (ICEs) are found in cars, trucks, and vans. They mostly run on gas or diesel fuel. ICEs are big contributors to climate change. 

The plan has yet to be approved by the European Parliament. It's part of the governing body’s “Fit for 55” package. The agreements aim to cut the greenhouse gas emissions from EU member nations 55% by 2030. 

Under the plan, car makers would have to cut emissions from new cars by 55% in 2030 and by 100% five years later. 60 countries, more than 45 cities, and least a dozen US states also plan to ban ICEs in cars by 2035.  

"This is a historic decision," said Pascal Canfin. He leads the European Parliament’s environment committee. "This sector, which accounts for 16% of European emissions at the moment, will be carbon neutral by 2050."

Reaction to the plan has been mixed. Some car makers say meeting the goal isn’t possible. Environmentalists say it doesn’t go far enough.

"The announcement is a perfect example of where politicians can bask in a feel-good headline that masks the reality of their repeated failures to act on climate," said one Greenpeace campaigner. 

She said new ICE cars should be banned no later than 2028.