Members of the European Union Parliament voted to adopt new rules regarding CO2 emissions performance standards from the Fit for 55 in 2030 package, including a proposal to reach zero-emission road mobility by 2035.
French car maker Citreon test drives its new electric car, Ami. Credit: Abdulmonam Eassa, Getty Images
Members of the European Union Parliament voted to adopt new rules regarding CO2 emissions performance standards from the Fit for 55 in 2030 package, including a proposal to reach zero-emission road mobility by 2035. Reduction targets in the package prevent cars or vans with internal combustion engines to be sold in the EU.
According to a statement from the EU, 339 members of parliament voted in favor of the changes, 249 voted against them and 24 abstained. The EU also said it has a “target to reduce the emissions produced by new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles by 100% compared to 2021.”
Before hitting the zero-emissions goal in 2035, the EU plans to reduce emissions by 55% for cars and 50% for vans in 2030. “An ambitious revision of CO2 standards is a crucial part of reaching our climate targets. With these standards, we are creating clarity for the car industry and can stimulate innovation and investments for car manufacturers,” said EU parliament member Jan Huitema. “In addition, purchasing and driving zero-emission cars will become cheaper for consumers.”
Highway vehicles release about 1.6 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere each year, according to the US Department of Energy. CO2 makes up most of those gases, which contribute to global climate change that can lead to increased wildfires, severe storms, melting glaciers and more.
For each gallon of gas a motorist uses, 20 pounds of greenhouses gases are created, said the department. A typical vehicle can create six to nine tonnes of greenhouse gasses annually.
In addition to impacting the environment, gas-powered vehicles have become increasingly expensive to fuel up for many in Europe since Russia began an invasion of Ukraine in February.