EU proposes phasing out new internal combustion cars by 2035

The European Union has proposed phasing out gas-powered internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035, part of a sweeping new plan to drastically reduce carbon emissions on the continent.

If passed, the legislation would require a 55 percent cut in overall CO2 emissions from new vehicles by 2030 compared to current levels. As it stands, the EU only currently requires a 37.5 percent cut by 2030 — which is weaker than even the United States is targeting. By 2035, though, the EU proposes a 100 percent cut, effectively banning new gas and even hybrid cars.

The effective ban would be an effective tool for cleaning up air pollution, as passenger cars make up about 12 percent of the total CO2 emissions in the EU. It would also be a big boost to...

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