European Parliament votes to end sales of petrol and diesel cars by 2035

The European Parliament has today (Tuesday) voted to phase out the sale of any new petrol and diesel cars by 2035.

The ban on sales of internal combustion engine vehicles was billed as a landmark European Green Deal decision. It also included a commitment to reduce overall car emissions by 55% between now and 2030.

Ireland's five Fine Gael MEPs, including Maria Walsh and Colm Markey from the Midlands-North West constituency, voted in favour of all cars and vans going fully electric by 2035.

Walsh and Markey, along with their party colleagues Seán Kelly, Frances Fitzgerald and Deirdre Clune backed the ambitious target during last Tuesday’s European Parliament vote on EU draft laws to combat climate change, as part of the 'FitFor55' package.

“We welcome today's vote results. The parliament seized the opportunity to be more ambitious in tackling climate change by taking concrete steps to address the emissions of the transport sector. We need to encourage and incentivise the use of greener technologies and energy where possible. A practical approach to our targets and implementation is vital, however, and most importantly supporting people, households and businesses in the transition to a greener economy,” said Seán Kelly MEP, leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament.

MEP Kelly said Russia’s war against Ukraine has added urgency to the need for the EU to end its reliance on Russian energy supplies.

"The energy crisis coupled with the increased cost of living which has hit Ireland and the EU hard. We want to move towards more renewable energy and reduce fossil fuels overall. It is essential that households and businesses are supported as much as possible during this transition. There is an enormous challenge we are facing and we all have a role to play in the transition."

"Today's decision provides further clarity to the car industry. EU governments must now speed up the provision of necessary infrastructure to facilitate more electric vehicles on our roads. We have sufficient time to transition successfully, and when we do, we will have not only have our cars and vans powered by green and clean energy, but also less air pollution. Electric vehicles have proven to be an adaptable and suitable technology and will play a big part in decarbonising Ireland's economy.

"That said, switching to electric vehicles is only part of the puzzle. We also of course must ensure that the electricity they use is green and this will be in line with the work to decarbonise the energy sector more broadly", Kelly added.

Speaking during a debate in the European Parliament, Green Party MEP Grace O'Sullivan said: "Today we set out a new vision for our towns and rural areas. A Europe built for people, not for traffic.

"About 18% of Ireland’s total emissions come from road transport, so this is a crucial sector to support in the transition to a more sustainable future.

"It's also one of the only areas where we already hold all of the keys to solve the issue at hand - strong investment in public transport, pedestrian friendly towns and affordable electric vehicles. Rural Ireland in particular should be supported as a priority."

Overall, the Parliament gave its final green light to setting the 2035 zero-emissions target for new cars and vans, with 340 votes in favour, 279 against, 21 abstentions. The proposal aims to contribute to the EU 2030 and 2050 climate objectives, deliver benefits to citizens and stimulate innovation in zero-emission technologies.