Europe is accelerating its shift away from petrol-powered cars more quickly than many motorists anticipated. With mounting pressure to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the European Union is implementing stricter environmental policies that will drastically alter the vehicle landscape across the continent. From changes in emissions standards to impending bans on internal combustion engine vehicles, the automotive future in Europe is being rewritten in real-time.
The implications for drivers, manufacturers, and governments are profound. While some automakers have been preparing for years, others are scrambling to update supply chains and redesign vehicle portfolios. For everyday motorists, the transition could mean significant changes in what cars are available, how much they cost, and how they are powered. The petrol engine, once the undisputed king of European roads, is now facing a rapidly closing window.
Key highlights at a glance
| Policy Change: | Accelerated phase-out of petrol and diesel engines |
| Effective Year: | 2035 (EU-wide ban on new petrol/diesel car sales) |
| Transitional Measures: | Enhanced emissions standards from 2025 (Euro 7 regulations) |
| Primary Goal: | Achieve climate neutrality by 2050 |
| Impact On Consumers: | Possible price hikes; increased availability of EVs |
| Main Opposition: | Automakers and certain EU member states |
What changed this year
In early 2024, the European Union finalized new vehicle legislation that will restrict the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars starting in 2035. This is not merely a policy idea—it is now law. What surprised many is that some key deadlines, including stricter emissions targets under the Euro 7 regulations, have been moved up or reinforced more aggressively than initially planned.
Euro 7, the next phase of European vehicle emissions standards, will come into effect starting in 2025. It introduces more rigorous requirements affecting both tailpipe emissions and the durability of pollution control systems. This makes petrol and diesel engines more expensive to produce, subtly nudging automakers and consumers toward electric alternatives.
Who backs the transition and who doesn’t
The shift has gained broad political support within the EU, particularly from countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands, which view this as a crucial step in meeting their climate commitments. Major automakers like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz have adjusted their product strategies to align with the transition, having already begun phasing out petrol engine production for certain models.
However, some countries and industry stakeholders are less convinced. Nations with a large share of automotive manufacturing jobs—such as Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland—have expressed concerns over job losses and the pace of the change. Similarly, smaller or budget automakers are struggling with the cost of electrification and lobbying for more leniency or longer transition periods.
Winners and losers in the new automotive era
| Winners | Losers |
|---|---|
| Electric vehicle manufacturers | Petrol engine manufacturers |
| Battery technology firms | Automakers slow to transition |
| Urban residents (due to reduced emissions) | Consumers relying on affordable petrol models |
| Green energy suppliers | Countries dependent on ICE production |
How consumers will feel the impact
The most immediate and visible impact will be in vehicle availability and pricing. As petrol and diesel models become more expensive to manufacture under Euro 7 standards, their prices are expected to climb. Simultaneously, electric vehicle (EV) options will become more plentiful and affordable, aided by mass production, falling battery costs, and government incentives.
Another shift will be in infrastructure. Governments across Europe are expanding charging station networks and offering rebates for EV purchases, creating a more accessible environment for new buyers. Nonetheless, existing petrol car owners may see lower resale values and face higher taxes or congestion charges for driving in urban low-emissions zones.
What automakers must do next
For car manufacturers, the new mandate means aggressive overhauls in R&D, supply chains, and marketing strategies. Most large companies are accelerating rollout timelines for fully electric lineups, while also investing in hybrid technology as a transitional step. Some are also exploring alternative fuels like hydrogen, though these remain less commercially viable for now.
The next five years will define the future of car brands. Those who delay investment in electrification risk losing market share permanently.
— Elena Burghardt, Automotive Analyst
Additionally, automakers must ensure compliance not only with emissions caps but also with recyclability, battery sustainability, and software integration standards. The shift to EVs involves not just replacing engines but rethinking the entire mobility experience.
Challenges faced by nations with strong auto sectors
Countries with a strong dependency on automotive production for employment and GDP are particularly vulnerable. The transition to EVs requires fewer mechanical parts and less maintenance, leading to concerns over job losses in traditional lines of car assembly and service.
Governments are being urged to create transition programs for workers impacted by these shifts. This includes reskilling schemes, subsidy support for manufacturers converting plants to EV production, and fostering new investment in battery and renewable energy industries.
How this affects used car markets
Used petrol and diesel cars won’t disappear overnight, but their long-term value could be compromised. With stricter emissions limits and urban bans on ICE vehicles becoming common, demand may decline over the next decade. Consumers might also be discouraged by future fees for using older vehicles in certain zones or cities.
However, some rural and less regulated markets may keep demand for used ICE cars alive in the short to medium term. Dealers and resale platforms will need to adapt by offering more hybrid and electric models in their inventories and potentially offering trade-in breaks or sustainability incentives.
Environmental and health implications
The phaseout of petrol engines will dramatically reduce nitrogen dioxide levels and improve air quality, especially in congested urban areas. Public health could benefit significantly, with reductions in respiratory illnesses and healthcare costs.
This is not just about cars—it’s about cleaner cities, more sustainable mobility, and healthier people.
— Dr. Marcus Reiner, Environmental Scientist
The EU expects that meeting its goals will cut transportation emissions by 90% by 2050. Whether that goal is realistic depends on continued policy enforcement and technological breakthroughs in electrification and grid infrastructure.
FAQs about Europe’s petrol engine transition
When will petrol cars be banned in Europe?
The official EU-level ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will begin in 2035, although tighter emissions standards begin as early as 2025.
Can I still drive a petrol car after 2035?
Yes, existing petrol vehicles can still be driven after 2035, but they may be subject to higher fees or urban driving restrictions.
Will petrol cars become more expensive?
Yes, due to stricter production requirements under Euro 7 standards, costs are expected to rise for new petrol and diesel vehicles.
What is Euro 7, and how does it affect me?
Euro 7 is the upcoming emissions regulation that sets more stringent pollution limits for new vehicles, affecting cost, availability, and compliance for petrol car buyers.
Are electric vehicles becoming more affordable?
Yes, prices for EVs are dropping due to economies of scale, improved battery tech, and government incentives across the EU.
Which carmakers are leading the electric shift?
Brands like Tesla, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and Renault are ahead in transitioning their fleets to electric models.
What happens to jobs in the petrol car industry?
Many roles may be phased out, but EU governments and carmakers are investing in retraining programs and EV production infrastructure to offset losses.
Will this help reduce air pollution?
Yes, phasing out petrol engines is expected to significantly reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality in European cities.
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