Summary
The European Union has adjusted its plans to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2035. Instead of banning all non-electric vehicle sales, the EU will now allow 10% of new cars to be non-zero-emission vehicles, such as traditional petrol or diesel models, as long as they use methods to balance their emissions.
Key Facts
- The EU originally planned to ban all new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035.
- New rules allow 10% of vehicles sold from 2035 to not be zero-emission.
- Car manufacturers will need to balance emissions from non-zero-emission vehicles using biofuels and e-fuels.
- Car companies must also use low-carbon steel in Europe-made vehicles.
- German carmakers strongly influenced the EU's decision due to concerns over electric car market demand.
- The European carmaker association says firms could face significant financial penalties without rule changes.
- Green transport groups criticized the EU’s new plan, urging other regions not to follow suit.
