Under the new proposals of the European Commission, from 2035, CO2 emissions from cars must be reduced by 90% compared to 2021 levels, rather than 100% as previously suggested. The previous requirement essentially meant a ban on the sale of all cars except electric ones.
The European Commission explained that hybrids and ICE cars could be sold after 2035. The remaining 10% reduction in emissions will have to be compensated by the use of biofuels, synthetic fuels, and low-carbon steel of European production.
Car manufacturers that use "green" steel will receive additional credits to meet environmental standards. Compact electric vehicles, which will be produced in the EU under the new M1E standards, will bring "super credits".
Manufacturers face fines, which could amount to billions, for failing to meet targets. However, the final date for stopping sales of ICE cars is not specified in the document - formally, they can be sold indefinitely.
Special attention is given to corporate fleets. EU countries will need to establish an electric vehicle share in new registrations of service cars and vans of large companies by 2030. Specific figures and criteria for large companies have not yet been determined.
The European Commission believes this will accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and make them more accessible to private buyers with small annual mileages.
The new rules should be presented to EU countries at the beginning of next year and are expected to quickly come into force after approval by the European Parliament.
The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe remains at the forefront of the global transition to clean technologies. EC Vice President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy Stefan Sejournet called the changes a "lifeline for the European automotive industry".
Source: EC