EU to Ban Combustion Engines by 2035 as Electric Cars Surge

The European Union has set an ambitious target to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, accelerating the shift towards electric vehicles. This move is part of the EU's broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. As the deadline approaches, countries like Hungary are taking proactive steps to support the transition by buildingbattery factories.

Why this matters: The EU's ban on combustion engines marks a significant milestone in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. As the transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to emissions, this shift towards electric vehicles has the potential to make a substantial impact on the environment.

The electric vehicle market has experienced significant growth, with a 39% increase compared to the same period in 2022, according to JATO Dynamics. Tesla led the ranking forzero, vehicle(BEVs) in Europe with 39,000 units registered in March, despite a 36% drop in registrations compared to the previous year. BMW placed second, with a 60% year-on-year increase in registrations, while Volvo saw a 70% increase, largely due to the success of its EX30 model.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have also seen a surge in demand, with 382,700 units registered between January and March 2024 in Europe, the highest number of quarterly registrations for the category since 2021. Felipe Munoz, global analyst at JATO Dynamics, noted, "Consumers are familiar with hybrid vehicles; they've been in the market for more than two decades now. For many drivers, they are now the best option." HEVs are more affordable than EVs and not reliant on public charging infrastructure, making them an attractive choice for many consumers.

While the shift towards electric vehicles brings environmental benefits, it also poses challenges for the car repair industry. With the increasing complexity of EV technology and the presence of 12 different types of drive chains, the industry faces uncertainty and a growing need for skilled workers. Specialized training will be crucial to ensure that repair professionals can keep up with theevolving landscape.

The EU's decision to ban combustion engines by 2035 is a significant step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. As countries like Hungary invest in battery production and the electric vehicle market continues to grow, it is evident that the automotive industry is undergoing a transformative shift. However, the transition also brings challenges, particularly for the car repair sector, which must adapt and upskill to meet the demands of the electric era.

Key Takeaways

• EU sets 2035 target to ban new petrol and diesel car sales.
• Electric vehicle market grows 39% in 2024, led by Tesla and BMW.
• Hybrid electric vehicles see surge in demand, with 382,700 units registered.
• Car repair industry faces challenges with EV technology, needing skilled workers.
• Hungary invests in battery production to support EU's electric vehicle shift.