For InsideEVs: Do Internal Combustion Bans Work? Yes, But Not Without A Fight
You could call it a love letter to the planet. On Valentine’s Day, European Union legislators voted to formally ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars and bans by 2035.
At the time, it seemed like one of the biggest and most final nails in the coffin yet for internal combustion. Here were 27 countries representing the world’s largest trading bloc, telling their automotive industry – and the global auto business as a whole – that the future of driving will be free of carbon emissions, the ultimate goal of the policy. Realistically, that means a future powered by battery-electric vehicles.
But like many storied romances, this one has proven to be exceptionally torrid behind the scenes. Fast forward a few weeks and the EU’s vote to ban gas and diesel vehicles is embroiled by political combat, last-ditch attempts to save internal combustion, and concerns over the future of Europe’s entire automotive sector.
It’s emerged as the perfect example of how impactful internal combustion bans can be, but also how complex and fraught they are – and likely will be in the years to come.
