Skip to main content

Germany urges the EU to ban new gasoline- and diesel-powered cars in 2030

Serious about fast-tracking electric mobility, the German government has adopted a resolution that paves the way for politicians to ban the sale of all new gasoline- and diesel-powered cars starting in 2030.

Clearly, Germany wants to speed up the widespread adoption of electric cars. The government has recently announced an ambitious plan to slash its CO2 emissions by 95 percent by the year 2050, but it’s finding out that getting there is easier said than done. The new financial incentives given to customers who buy a hybrid or electric vehicle have so far failed to spur sales, according to German newspaper Welt. Banning gasoline- and diesel-powered cars is a foolproof way to ensure buyers go electric whether they like it or not.

Recommended Videos

Some of the controversial resolution’s backers also point out that banning new gasoline- and diesel-powered cars would cement Germany’s position as one of the most respected nations in the global automotive industry. The market is increasingly shifting towards electrification, and the auto industry employs one in seven German workers. Lagging behind other countries would likely cause unemployment to rise.

The proposed ban is simply a resolution; it’s not a law and it’s not scheduled to come into effect yet. Welt points out its main backers are the Green party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) that Chancellor Angela Merkel is part of.

Germany hopes it can exert an influence on the rest of Europe. Several of the nation’s top politicians have collectively asked the European Union to consider implementing the exact same ban across the entire continent. Of course, England — which recently left the E.U. after spending years complaining about Germany’s influence — won’t be affected by the ban if it ever makes the transition from a resolution to a law.

Ronan Glon
Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…
8 key things you need to know from Apple’s WWDC 2025 event
From a fresh look and updated names, to new features, more intelligence and live translation
iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 shown on devices.

The WWDC 2025 keynote ran for just over an hour and a half. For those of you who don't fancy sitting through the whole presentation, we've pulled out the key things you need to know from the latest Apple event.

1. Welcome to the 26 club

Read more
Tesla’s robotaxi service is almost here, but it’s not the car you want to see
Silver Tesla Model Y Juniper side

Tesla chief Elon Musk has said that the automaker is aiming to launch its robotaxi service on June 22, in Austin, Texas.

“Tentatively, June 22,” Musk said in a post on X on Tuesday, adding: “We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift.”

Read more
I tried an e-bike for the first time and now I’m hooked
It’s not about being a 'bike person', it’s about finding small upgrades to everyday life
A woman sitting on the Aventon Pace 4

Before this year, I’d never even touched an e-bike before, and the thought of riding one was never on my radar. With life already in constant motion thanks to two toddlers, biking wasn’t something I ever considered adding to the mix.

I’d always assumed e-bikes were for hardcore commuters or serious cyclists, not someone like me. I wasn’t looking for a big lifestyle change. I just wanted a quicker way to get to the park so we’d have more time to play before dinner.

Read more