As the saying goes, the decisions we take today are the ones we will make tomorrow. The EU has decided to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, a giant step toward a cleaner, greener future.
This isn’t a bill that’s merely reducing emissions, but rather an oath of commitment — and undertaking to change the world through new policy and innovation in the face of climate change.
Now, imagine a world where Paris, Berlin and Rome’s streets are empty but for the humming of electric cars. We no longer have this dream of a quieter, cleaner Europe but are on the verge of it, thanks to the EU’s ambitious vision of scrapping fossil-fuelled vehicles altogether.
The fact that the 27-member bloc agreed to mandate a 100 per cent cut in CO2 emissions of new cars by 2035 signals a milestone in transportation and environmental policy..
The Road to 2035 – A Phased Transition
EU law is not a one-off enactment, but a gradual process of transition. By 2030, automakers will need to reduce CO2 emissions from new cars by 55% compared to 2021. For vans, the goal is a 50% cut. These modest targets will give automakers time to catch up and push the industry forward in incremental steps to full electrification.
This incremental process takes ambition and makes it possible. The bill also takes into account affordability and market acceptance, as it recognizes that EVs aren’t cheap to buy for everyone.
To achieve these goals, EVs must reduce operating costs and become more affordable, says the EU Parliament’s chief negotiator Jan Huitema.
Impact on Automakers and the Industry
For European carmakers, the 2035 deadline presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
Several car manufacturers have already committed to electrification as they realize that this is a necessary process. For instance:
- By the EU’s deadline of 2033, Volkswagen is committed to producing zero emission vehicles.
- Mercedes-Benz and BMW have announced multi-billion-dollar investments in EV technologies and production plants.
- Other smaller carmakers are also doing the same, partnering with battery makers and tech companies to stay competitive.
Yet achieving the EU’s ambitious goals will involve massive investments in research, infrastructure and workforce education. Automakers will have to innovate quickly to create efficient, cost-effective, advanced EVs and comply with new laws.
Economic and Environmental Implications
Lower Operating Costs and Consumer Savings
Already, electric vehicles cost less to run than their internal combustion engine (ICE) peers. As battery technology advances, EVs will become cheaper and more accessible to consumers. The long-term benefits to consumers will grow even greater as charging networks mature and demand for renewable energy increases.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
It produces almost a quarter of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, and so is a major focus for climate action. By eliminating petrol and diesel cars, the EU will have significantly less carbon to emit – meeting its overall target of net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Green Economy: Job Creation in the Green Economy
The transition to EVs will also open up new avenues in the green economy. From battery manufacturing to charging infrastructure, electrification of transport will create employment across the entire value chain and compensate for job losses in the old car industry.
Challenges and Criticism
For all its positives, the EU’s law was not without controversy. Observers counter that the transition may impact low-income individuals in ways not a lot of people could have expected, especially in areas with poorly built EV infrastructure. Additionally, environmental issues related to the extraction of battery materials (eg, lithium and cobalt) have cast doubt on whether EVs really are sustainable.
Unions and industry bodies have also criticised the reduction of labour in the ICE car-producing sector. Moving into the new reality will require intensive retraining schemes and government support in order to ensure workers have an equitable experience.
The Role of Charging Infrastructure
One of the most significant barriers to EV adoption is the availability of charging infrastructure. The EU recognizes this challenge and has prioritized investment in charging stations as part of its broader climate strategy. By 2030, the bloc aims to have one million public charging points across member states, ensuring that EVs are not just a luxury for urban centers but a viable option for rural and remote areas as well.
Lessons from Early Adopters
States such as Norway, which already has an almost complete EV transition, have much to learn from the EU. The Norwegian success was a product of strong government subsidies, widespread charging infrastructure, and a shift in culture toward sustainability. The EU can learn from these experiences to ensure an orderly, fair transition.
The Repercussions of the EU’s Step Around the World
The EU law would affect the global automotive industry in a major way. As one of the biggest markets on the planet, the EU’s EV transition will push carmakers around the globe to ramp up electrification in record time. The move, moreover, paves the way for other regions to follow suit, helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions globally.
Balancing Regulation and Innovation
Even though the EU law imposes clear regulatory objectives, it also leaves room for creativity. This is a unique moment for automakers, tech startups and energy providers to work together to transform the way we get around. From self-driving EVs to smart charging stations, the options are limitless.
A Vision for the Future
The EU’s move to eliminate diesel and petrol cars by 2035 is not only a regulational moment, but an adventurous proclamation of the future of mobility and sustainability. By prioritising innovation, affordability and inclusivity, the EU is making Europe greener.
Until 2035, the world will be watching the EU’s progress through this transition. The stakes are immense, but so are the payoffs – a better Earth, a sustainable economy, and a better future for those who follow us.
The electric future is not an easy one. The EU’s emergence as the master here sets the example for other regions.
The real question now is not whether the world will end up driving EVs but rather when and how effectively. The answer for the EU is simple: it’s time to get on board.
