Now officially, after several months of delay, The European Union will indeed ban the sale of new diesel locomotives from 2035. However, there will be a few exceptions, starting with synthetic fuels, even if it will only be a small fraction, given the fact that electricity will be widespread by then.

The EU is not the only one to set a deadline at this level. Indeed, all over the world, several countries or regional blocs have already taken similar decisions, on different terms, but also more or less “radical” degrees. Even within the EU, some countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands or Ireland have been more ambitious, setting a 2030 deadline.

In Europe, but outside the EU

The United Kingdom and Norway may not be (or no longer) part of the European Union, but the fact remains that they have made similar decisions. Norway is somewhat of a forerunner because Oslo aims to achieve 100% sales of new zero-emission cars by 2025. And it seems to be happening, as last year almost four out of five new cars sold in Norway were electric.

For its part, Great Britain, which is one of the cradles of the automobile industry, plans to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars. from 2030. Also, in 2030, it will be prohibited to sell internal combustion engines in Singapore or Israel.

The United States is in the dark

Under President Joe Biden’s climate plan, half of the models sold in the United States must be “zero-emission” by 2030. The government has also established significant subsidies to protect local industry, including by repatriating battery production.

However, the government includes plug-in hybrids in this target. Last year, 5.8% of new cars sold in the US were electric. The step is still high. Some states are taking the initiative, such as California and New York state, which have already banned the sale of internal combustion engines. from 2035, but excluding PHEVs. Further north, Canada set itself the same goal.

China has not yet imposed a ban

Chinese industry is far ahead in the electrical sector, thanks in part to local builders who have been able to take advantage of generous government aid. China currently controls the components and manufacturing of the vast majority of EV batteries.

The country first aspires By 2025, 20% of vehicles operating on “new energy sources” (electric, hybrid, fuel cell). They should become “mainstream” in 2035, according to a document released in late 2020 by the government.

Other countries

Japan is in no hurry to switch to electricity and prefers hybrid engines, among which Toyota is the undisputed leader. In 2022, electricity accounted for only 1.7% of new car sales. The Japanese government aims to ban new petrol and diesel cars by the mid-2030sbut this ban will not affect hybrids and hydrogen cars.

For its part, India, which is planning an explosion in car sales but suffers from severe air pollution, aims to reach 30% of electricity sales. in 2030. In Africa, Cape Verde expects 100% in 2035. In Latin America, Chile, a major lithium producer, is committing 2035 yearand Costa Rica is targeted 2050 year.