Spain Considering Banning Diesel And Petrol Cars Come 2040

Spain is reportedly considering a ban on sales of both diesel and petrol-powered automobiles beginning in 2040, as an attempt to combat climate change.

By banning any and all polluting vehicles, Spain is also hoping to bring its national regulations in line with those of countries that include UK and France, as per a briefing note circulated to journalists, reports Automotive News Europe.

“Some of the most important necessary changes affect transport,” the document said. “From 2040, the registration and sale in Spain of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles that directly emit carbon dioxide will not be permitted.”

This new law, which Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s government hopes to present to parliament by the end of this year, would work towards cutting emissions and promoting renewable power and energy efficiency, thus helping Spain fulfill its obligations under the Paris Climate Accord. The goal would be to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% from 1990 levels in 2030, and by as much as 90% in 2050.

So far, Sanchez has struggled to find support for any major proposals, including next year’s budget, due to opposition from the conservative People’s Party.

Right now, Britain and France have moved ahead with plans to ban gasoline and diesel cars from 2040, although some British politicians think that London should move the timeline forward and ban ICE units come 2032. Meanwhile, Denmark wants to move ahead with the ban by 2030.