As part of its Fit for 55 decarbonisation plan the EU has set a target of banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035.
In a bid to boost EV adoption the proposed legislation would require countries to install public charging points no more than 60 km (37.3 miles) apart on major roads by 2025.
In a bid to achieve a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 compared with 2021 levels, the EU plan also includes a reduction to zero CO2 emissions from new cars sold in the bloc by 2035. This is an increase on the previous target of 37.5% reduction by the end of the decade.
‘Fit for 55’ will also aim to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% from 1990 levels by 2030 in a step toward "net zero" emissions by 2050.
Helen Clarkson, CEO of the international non-profit Climate Group, said: “This is the sort of ambition we’ve been waiting to see from the EU, where it’s been lacking in recent years.
“The science tells us we need to halve emissions by 2030, so for road transport it’s simple – get rid of the internal combustion engine.
“We’re encouraged to see the EU propose a revision to car CO2 emission standards to bring forward the end of sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles to 2035 – this target is not only possible but would ensure Europe maintains its role as a leader in the climate transition. Beyond this, it’s encouraging to see commitments to invest in charging infrastructure.
“Members of the EV100 initiative have committed to adopting zero emission fleets by 2030. Policies such as these set a clear agenda towards a zero-emission future and will help all businesses invest with confidence in zero emission vehicles in order that the market develops in the right way.”
In addition, the UK Government published its long-awaited transport decarbonisation plan. An end date of 2035 for the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles weighing from 3.5 to 26 tonnes and 2040 for vehicles weighing more than 26 tonnes have been proposed.
There are also proposals to end the sale of new heavy vans and trucks powered by fossil fuels and electrifying the Government fleet.
