In 2021, the European Union mandated 100 percent reduction in CO2 emissions for all new cars going on sale from 2035 onwards. This essentially meant that brands were left with no other option except for an EV-exclusive portfolio, thus ending production of ICE-powered cars in Europe. Just over four years later, however, EU policymakers appear reluctant to implement an ICE ban even within the next decade.
- Germany is at the forefront of this ban, followed by Italy
- Policymakers highlight job losses across Europe as a key factor
- Official statement from respective EU governments expected soon
Europe’s ban on new ICE cars: What has changed?
Germany to continue manufacturing internal combustion engines
During a conversation with a German publication Bild, Manfred Weber, President of the European People’s Party (EPP), stated that, “For new registrations from 2035 onwards, a 90 percent reduction in CO2 emissions will now be mandatory for car manufacturers' fleet targets, instead of 100 percent. There will also be no 100 percent target from 2040 onwards. This means that the technology ban on combustion engines is off the table. All engines currently manufactured in Germany can therefore continue to be produced and sold.”
The EPP’s president further noted how this move would send a signal “to the entire automotive industry and secure tens of thousands of industrial jobs” in Europe. Italy also appears to have a similar stance on the matter, alongside several major automakers. While we await an official update from the concerned governments, the complete move over to EVs is unlikely to come into effect by 2040.
Europe’s ban on new ICE cars: What went wrong?
Despite outperforming the EU, EV sales in the UK are still shy of the target set for 2025.
Before taking a step this drastic, it appears that EU policymakers did not fully consider the effects such a ban would have. Major car brands operating across Europe find fewer takers for pure electric models when compared to their ICE counterparts, which explains why they have been lobbying against the ban since it was announced.
Even in the United Kingdom, where the demand for EVs is strong, current sales remain below the government-mandated 28 percent set for 2025, as pointed out by Autocar UK. Interestingly, while it was the United Kingdom that floated the idea for a total ban on ICE cars in 2020, its government has not disclosed its stance on the matter as yet.
Report source: Bild (via Reuters)
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
