Some five European Union (EU) member states want the ban on the sale of new cars with an internal combustion engine to be delayed until 2040. However, the European Commission and the European Parliament want to curb sales by 2035 instead.
A document seen by Reuters reveals that Bulgaria, Italy, Portugal, Romania and Slovakia want to delay the ban. Specifically, this concerns a proposal by the European Commission that, from 2035, new cars must emit 100 per cent less CO₂ than in 2021. In practice, the proposed reduction means that the sale of cars with internal combustion engines will be restricted.
The ban only applies to new cars; second-hand cars are not affected by the ban.
90 per cent reduction by 2035
EU member states make a counter-proposal in the document. They call for a 90 per cent CO2 reduction for passenger cars by 2035. In practice, this means that a limited number of combustion-engine cars can still be sold in that year. By 2040, EU member states then want to increase the reduction to 100 per cent. Sales of new combustion-engined passenger cars would then be phased out by 2040.
Bulgaria, Italy, Portugal, Romania and Slovakia are also calling for a delay for light commercial vehicles, including vans. For this category of vehicles, the countries propose an 80 per cent CO2 reduction. Again, this is less than the European Commission and the European Parliament want. Both have already agreed on a 100 per cent CO2 reduction for new vans by 2035.
Improve charging infrastructure
Countries cite several reasons for the proposed postponement in the leaked document. Among them, the countries want to build a larger charging infrastructure for electric cars.
Netherlands is well ahead of other countries on this issue. Figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association show that an estimated 70% of all charging stations are in the Netherlands, Germany and France. The Netherlands led the way in June last year with over 66,000 charging posts, while Germany and France both counted around 45,000 charging posts.
Differences in purchasing power
An anonymous Bulgarian official also points out to Reuters that purchasing power in EU member states varies widely. Climate measures should take more account of economic and social factors, according to the Bulgarian.
Part of wider climate measures
EU member states are expected to present their position on the proposed climate measures in the near future. The European Parliament previously agreed to the European Commission's proposal. The measures are part of broader climate measures. These should lead to a 55 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Photo: geralt via Pixabay
