EU ministers finally signed off on legislation phasing out sales of new polluting cars and vans by 2035, after Germany got an exemption for cars running on e-fuels. E-fuels are an artificial and greener alternative to gasoline that emits no CO2.

By 2035, all newly sold cars must emit no CO2 at all, and by 2030, their CO2 emissions must be 55% lower than they were in 2021. The objectives are made to promote the quick decarbonization of new vehicles in the EU.

A separate section of legislation has been proposed to regulate bus, truck, and coach emissions, whereas, under Euro 7 standards, a comprehensive set of regulations comprising all non-CO2 vehicle pollutants is being discussed.