Katerina Swanson
The transportation sector contributes about 15% of man-made carbon emissions worldwide, and many countries are taking steps to reduce this by banning fossil fuel-based cars. In 2016, Germany became the first country to implement a ban on the sale of new fossil fuel-based cars, with several other countries following suit, including Norway, the UK, China, France, and India. While some countries have set specific timelines for the ban, others are still in the process of discussing and implementing relevant legislation. These efforts are part of a broader push towards a clean energy revolution and a more sustainable future.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries banning fossil fuel-based cars | Norway, Germany, France, Britain, India, China, Israel, Singapore, Canada, United States |
| Year of the ban | 2025 (Norway), 2026 (Norway, for World Heritage Sites), 2030 (Germany), Britain, Israel, Singapore, France, EU, California, Quebec, New York, 2035 (globally, California, Quebec), 2040 (France, China, Britain) |
| Type of ban | Ban on sales of fossil fuel-based cars, ban on use of fossil fuel-based cars, ban on production of fossil fuel-based cars |
| Reasons for the ban | Reduce carbon emissions, reduce air pollution, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promote electric vehicles |
| Alternatives to fossil fuel-based cars | Electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, bicycles, walking, public transportation |
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What You'll Learn
Norway's fossil fuel ban
In 2017, Norway decided to ban fossil fuel-based cars by 2025, setting a target that was five years earlier than Germany's. This means that, in a little over a year, Norway will only sell cars that are 100% electric, doing away with petrol-based vehicles.
Norway joins the Netherlands, one of the most bicycle-friendly countries in the world, in proposing fossil fuel-powered vehicle bans. The ban will not affect existing petrol or diesel cars but will stop car dealers from selling new ones. This will, in turn, slowly kill off petrol stations.
Norway's plan to prohibit the sale of all vehicles using fossil fuels by 2025 has caused some confusion. While one of Norway's primary newspapers printed that the coalition government had agreed on the plan, a press release from the government coalition party the Conservatives (Høyre) called the report "misleading". The Liberal spokesman Ola Elvestuen, who was quoted in the article, attempted to clarify his statement, saying that the parties had only agreed to set target numbers for low- and zero-emission vehicles by 2025.
Norway's ban on fossil cars is part of the country's goal to become one of the most ecologically progressive countries in Europe and the world. In 2013, Norway approved a new $3 billion investment in the wind power sector, aiming to triple its capacity by 2020. As of April 2022, 9 out of 10 new cars sold in Norway were electric, and several car manufacturers have already stopped selling internal combustion engine vehicles in the country.
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Germany's influence
Germany has been a key influencer in the push to ban fossil fuel-based cars. In October 2016, Germany's federal council, the Bundesrat, proposed and passed a resolution to ban internal combustion engines by 2030, becoming the first country to implement such a ban. This decision was particularly significant given Germany's position as the fourth-largest car manufacturer in the world.
However, Germany's influence has not always been positive. In March 2023, Germany blocked a milestone agreement within the EU to ban the sale of new fossil fuel cars from 2035. This decision upset other EU partners, as the deal had already passed through each stage of the Brussels legislative process, including approval by member states. Germany's last-minute opposition was driven by domestic political considerations, with the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) courting votes from those suspected of opposing the ban on combustion engines.
Germany's Transport Ministry has continued negotiations with the European Commission, expressing a desire for sales of new cars with internal combustion engines to be allowed after 2035 if they run on e-fuels. While Germany has faced criticism for its stance, it maintains its commitment to progressing EU talks on the planned end of new combustion engines.
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UK's green revolution
The UK has been working towards a green revolution, with a focus on cutting emissions and establishing itself as a pioneer in offshore wind technologies and manufacturing. As part of this initiative, the government has brought forward the ban on the sale of new fossil fuel-based cars and vans from 2040 to 2030, with some hybrids allowed until 2035. This is part of a 10-point, multi-billion-pound plan to create 250,000 jobs and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The UK government is offering grants and subsidies to encourage the switch to electric vehicles, with up to £3,000 off the purchase price of new low-emission cars, and up to £20,000 for large electric vans or trucks. The government is also investing £1.3 billion to accelerate the rollout of charging points across England, with a focus on residential, street, and motorway charging infrastructure.
In addition to the vehicle changes, the UK's green revolution also includes a focus on improving energy efficiency in homes. The Green Homes Grant scheme, launched in England in October 2020, offers vouchers worth up to £5,000 or £10,000 for lower-income households to make energy-saving improvements, such as roof insulation, double glazing, and low-carbon heating technologies.
The UK's clean energy revolution also involves expanding London's ultra-low emission zone, with charges for petrol and diesel cars that do not meet certain standards. Clean air zones are also planned for Birmingham and Leeds, with potential expansion to other cities. These measures are designed to reduce transport emissions, as petrol and diesel cars account for more than half of these emissions in the UK.
The UK's green revolution has been praised by some environmental groups, but critics argue that electric vehicles remain too expensive and that the country lacks sufficient charging infrastructure. There are also concerns about the financial burden on households, with predicted costs of up to £10,000 to replace gas boilers with heat pumps. Despite these challenges, the UK is committed to leading this revolution and encouraging the transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources.
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China's auto market
China, the world's biggest auto market, is planning to implement a ban on fossil fuel cars. In 2017, the country began studying when to ban the production and sale of cars using traditional fuels, but no specific deadline was set. China aims to use the ban as a way to encourage local automakers to develop electric cars.
In recent years, China has worked to encourage the growth of its electric vehicle market through subsidies as it works to cut its carbon emissions. These subsidies have been in place since 2009, and by 2019, new-energy vehicles accounted for around 5% of all new car sales in China. Globally, approximately half of all electric and other new-energy cars were sold in China.
By 2035, sales of new energy vehicles (NEV) will make up 50% of overall new car sales in China, according to an industry official. From 2035 onwards, the only new cars for sale in China will be electric, hybrid, or fuel-cell. This aligns with the Glasgow Declaration, a non-legally-binding agreement signed by multiple governments and companies at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, which aimed for all new cars and vans in leading markets to be zero-emission by 2035.
China's push for electric vehicles extends beyond its borders, as evidenced by the construction of a factory in Brazil owned by China's electric vehicle producer BYD. This expansion into overseas markets underscores the country's commitment to promoting electric vehicle technology and its potential impact on a global scale.
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US climate plan
While the US federal government has not yet joined the many countries setting phase-out dates for fossil fuel-based cars, multiple states have committed to following California's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation to end sales of new gas cars by 2035. These states include Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Colorado, Delaware, New Jersey, and New Mexico. In addition, 12 US states have adhered to California's Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Program.
At the federal level, the US has shown some commitment to reducing emissions from the transportation sector. For example, in April 2023, the EPA proposed more stringent fuel economy standards for model year 2027 to 2032 vehicles, which would require 67% of new vehicles to be electric by 2032. Furthermore, there is an executive order mandating that all new light-duty vehicles added to the government fleet be 100% zero-emissions by 2027, with all government-owned vehicles replaced by all-electric cars by 2035-2040.
However, the US notably did not sign the non-legally binding Glasgow Declaration at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, which aimed to accelerate the transition to 100% zero-emission cars and vans by 2035 in leading markets and by 2040 globally.
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Frequently asked questions
Many countries are trying to ban fossil fuel-based cars, including Norway, Germany, the UK, France, China, India, Japan, and the US.
The dates of these bans vary by country. For example, Norway's ban on the sale of fossil fuel-based cars will come into effect in 2025, while the UK's ban will come into effect in 2030, and France's in 2040.
Yes, President Joe Biden's climate plan includes a goal for half of new cars sold in the US to be zero-emissions by 2030. Additionally, the states of California and New York plan to ban the sale of new fossil fuel cars (except for plug-in hybrids) from 2035.
Banning fossil fuel-based cars can have significant climate-related benefits. The transportation sector contributes about 15% of man-made carbon emissions worldwide, so transitioning to electric vehicles can help reduce these emissions. Additionally, electric vehicles can help improve air quality and public health.
