Reuters: The countries of the European Union gave final approval on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in a landmark law to end sales of new CO2-emitting cars in 2035 after Germany won an exemption for cars running on climate-neutral synthetic fuels.
The approval by EU countries' energy ministers means Europe's flagship climate policy for cars can now come into force - after weeks of delay caused by Germany's veto threatened to derail Europe's plans.
EU legislation will require all new cars sold to have zero CO2 emissions from 2035 and 55% lower CO2 emissions from 2030, compared to 2021 levels. The targets are designed to lead to the rapid phase-out of the carbon of new cars in Europe.
"The direction of travel is clear: in 2035, new cars and trucks must have zero emissions," said European climate policy chief Frans Timmermans.
Synthetic fuels (climate neutral synthetic fuels or e-fuels) are considered carbon neutral because they are produced using sequestered CO2 emissions – which proponents say balances the CO2 released when the fuel is burned in an engine.
The Commission will propose, in autumn 2023, how sales of climate-neutral synthetic fuel cars can only continue after 2035.
The upcoming legislation will not affect existing petrol and diesel IZ cars which will be able to drive on EU roads after 2035.
