Global Climate Policy: EU Softens 2035 Ban on Internal Combustion Cars

The EU is moving to soften its planned 2035 ban on internal combustion cars by allowing a small share of low-emission engines. According to the Associated Press, this proposal from the EU's executive commission would change provisions of 2023 legislation that requires average emissions in new cars to equal zero or a hundred percent reduction from 2021 levels.

Under the new proposal, a 90 percent emissions reduction would be required, which means most cars would be battery-only, but some cars with internal combustion engines would still be allowed. Automakers would need to compensate for the added emissions by using European steel produced by methods that emit less carbon, and by utilizing climate neutral e-fuels made from renewable electricity and captured carbon dioxide, as well as biofuels made from plants.

EU officials assert that this change will not hinder the progress towards making the 27-country bloc's economy climate neutral by 2050, which aims to produce only as much carbon dioxide as can be absorbed by forests, oceans, or through abatement methods such as underground storage.

CO2 is the primary greenhouse gas linked to climate change.