Stop Thermal Engines in 2035: What the European Regulation Says

The European Union has officially announced a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035. This ambitious measure is part of the broader “Fit for 55” package, which aims to reduce CO₂ emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. In this article, we explore the details of the legislation, the targets set, the exemptions provided for, and the implications for the automotive sector and consumers.

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Regulatory Context: The Fit for 55 Objective

In 2021, the European Union launched the "Fit for 55" plan to lead the ecological transition and mitigate climate change. The name "55" refers to the percentage of emissions reduction that the EU intends to achieve by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. Among the many measures envisaged, one of the most impactful is the decision to end the sale of new internal combustion vehicles by 2035.

Key Objectives of the Regulation on the Stop of Thermal Engines

The legislation stipulates that from 2035 onwards, all new cars and light commercial vehicles registered in the EU will have to emit zero CO₂ . This would mean a 100% reduction in emissions compared to 2021 levels. This would mean a dramatic shift towards electric, hydrogen-powered or other sustainable vehicles, to ensure that no new vehicle on the market contributes to air pollution.

To ensure a smooth transition, intermediate objectives have been set:

• By 2030 , emissions from new cars will have to be reduced by 55% compared to 2021 levels.
• For light commercial vehicles , the reduction target is set at 50% by 2030.

These milestones allow the automotive industry to progressively adapt and promote a wider diffusion of charging and refueling infrastructures for zero-emission vehicles.

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Exemptions and Exceptions Provided by the Legislation

European legislation is strict, but provides for some exemptions for specific categories:

• Small Vehicle Manufacturers : Automakers that produce fewer than 1,000 vehicles per year are exempt from meeting these targets. Companies that produce between 1,000 and 10,000 units per year have until 2036 to comply.

• Synthetic Fuels (e-fuels) : Following an agreement with Germany, the EU has introduced a derogation that allows the sale of vehicles with internal combustion engines powered exclusively by synthetic fuels even after 2035. E-fuels, or synthetic fuels, are produced using renewable sources and are considered CO₂-neutral, since the carbon dioxide emitted during combustion is offset by that used to produce them.

These derogations show some flexibility on the part of the EU, allowing for the use of innovative solutions that could support the industry and limit the impact on the automotive market.

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Implications for Consumers: What’s Changing in 2035?

The law does not impose restrictions on internal combustion engine vehicles already on the road. This means that owners of petrol or diesel cars will be able to continue to drive, sell and buy them on the second-hand market even after 2035. However, ongoing developments suggest that some cities and regions could introduce low-emission zones, restricting access to internal combustion engine vehicles in specific areas to reduce urban pollution.

This shift will also imply an evolution in charging and refueling infrastructure. Electric charging stations are set to become increasingly common, with the aim of easing the transition for consumers and making zero-emission vehicles more accessible.

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Reactions and Debate among Member States

The legislation has sparked heated debate within the European Union. Some countries, such as Germany and Italy, have raised concerns about the impact on domestic industries and have pushed for the inclusion of exemptions such as the one for synthetic fuels. Italy abstained in the final vote, arguing that the transition should also include biofuels among the sustainable solutions, given their potential to reduce emissions.

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Next Steps: Monitoring and Possible Revisions

The EU has planned a review of the legislation by 2026 , when the European Commission will assess the progress and challenges encountered on the path towards the objectives. This review will allow to take stock of the situation and, if necessary, make any adjustments, especially in relation to technological developments and market trends.

Meanwhile, investment in research and development of alternative propulsion technologies, such as next-generation batteries, hydrogen vehicles and synthetic fuels, is expected to increase.

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The decision to stop the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is one of the EU's strongest steps towards a zero-emission future. This legislation will have a profound impact on the automotive sector, pushing for innovation and more sustainable solutions. For consumers, the transition will mean new opportunities, such as a greater choice of zero-emission vehicles and access to increasingly widespread charging infrastructure.

The derogations, together with the 2026 review, demonstrate a certain degree of flexibility of the EU, which takes into account the specificities of the different Member States and the ongoing technological innovations. With the support of public and private investments, the road to 2035 appears challenging but ambitious, with the final goal of ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable future for the next generations.