Why combustion engines are being banned

Governments aren’t banning existing cars; they’re setting deadlines to stop sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles—mainly to cut climate pollution, improve air quality, boost energy security, and accelerate a shift to cleaner technologies. In practice, most policies phase in targets through the 2030s, with some exemptions and national variations.

What policymakers actually mean by “ban”

When officials talk about “banning” combustion engines, they usually mean ending the sale of new internal-combustion-engine (ICE) cars and vans by a certain date, not taking existing vehicles off the road. These rules typically ramp up over time, are paired with charging infrastructure plans and emissions standards, and often include carve-outs—for example, plug-in hybrids during a transition, or niche allowances for vehicles running on certified synthetic e-fuels. Heavy trucks, buses, motorcycles, and off-road equipment are covered under separate timelines and standards that vary by jurisdiction.

The main reasons behind the bans

Multiple, overlapping public-interest goals are driving the phaseout of ICE sales. The following points summarize the central motivations cited by policymakers, health authorities, and energy agencies.

• Climate commitments: Road transport is a major source of CO2 emissions; phasing out new ICE sales is essential to meet mid-century net-zero pledges and near-term carbon budgets.
• Air quality and health: Tailpipe pollution contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular disease; reducing NOx, particulates, and ozone precursors delivers immediate public-health benefits, especially in cities.
• Energy security: Cutting oil demand reduces exposure to volatile global crude markets and geopolitical shocks, while keeping more energy spending domestic.
• Technology and economics: Electric powertrains are more energy-efficient and, in many use cases, cheaper to operate and maintain over a vehicle’s life; falling battery costs and expanding model offerings make large-scale adoption feasible.
• Industrial strategy: Clear rules provide investment certainty, helping automakers and suppliers retool, while positioning national industries for competitiveness in a rapidly changing global market.
• Urban livability: Cities use low- and zero-emission zones to cut noise and congestion-related pollution, aligning local policy with national climate targets.

Taken together, these factors explain why phaseout dates are becoming a common policy tool: they set a clear horizon that aligns environmental, economic, and industrial planning.

Where and when the phaseouts are happening

Timelines differ by region, and most policies target new light-duty vehicle sales rather than existing fleets. Here are the headline moves across major markets.

• European Union: Agreed to require all new cars and vans sold from 2035 to be zero-emission at the tailpipe, with a narrow pathway for vehicles running exclusively on certified e-fuels. New heavy-duty vehicle rules tighten through 2040, including steep CO2 cuts and a rapid shift for urban buses.
• United Kingdom: Delayed its end date for new petrol/diesel car sales to 2035, but a binding Zero Emission Vehicle mandate requires an increasing share of new sales to be zero-emission each year through the 2030s.
• United States: No national ban, but California’s Advanced Clean Cars II requires 100% zero-emission new light-duty sales by 2035, with interim targets; more than a dozen states representing a large share of the U.S. auto market are adopting similar rules. Federal tailpipe standards for model years 2027–2032 also push rapid emissions cuts.
• Canada: A national sales mandate requires 20% zero-emission new light-duty vehicles by 2026, 60% by 2030, and 100% by 2035.
• Norway: A non-binding goal targets all new passenger car sales to be zero-emission by 2025; the market is already mostly electric.
• Netherlands and others: Several European countries set national targets (often 2030–2035) aligned with or going beyond EU rules; cities are expanding low- and zero-emission zones.
• China: No national ICE ban date, but a powerful “new energy vehicle” policy mix has pushed EVs to large market shares; Hainan province plans to end new ICE sales by 2030.
• Japan: Aims for all new car sales to be “electrified” by the mid-2030s (including hybrids), with additional momentum for battery-electric and fuel-cell vehicles.
• Australia: A national efficiency standard starts in 2025; some states and territories set their own phaseout targets for new ICE sales in the 2030s.

These policies focus on new sales to gradually turn over the fleet. Dates and details can shift with elections and market conditions, but the general direction—fewer new ICE vehicles over time—is consistent across many jurisdictions.

How the phaseouts work in practice

Governments rarely rely on a single rule. Instead, they combine standards, incentives, and infrastructure to guide the market toward cleaner vehicles.

1. Sales mandates and fleet standards: Zero-emission sales quotas and increasingly strict CO2 or pollutant limits drive automaker compliance.
2. Incentives and fees: Purchase rebates, tax credits, and “feebates” reward cleaner vehicles and penalize high emitters.
3. Infrastructure build-out: Public and private investment in charging and, where relevant, hydrogen refueling, plus grid upgrades.
4. Urban access rules: Low- and zero-emission zones limit or price ICE access in dense areas.
5. Industrial policy: Loans, grants, and tax measures for battery plants, critical minerals, and retooling factories.
6. Consumer protections: Warranty standards, right-to-repair provisions, and used-EV market support.

The mix differs by country, but the aim is the same: make clean vehicles the default choice while keeping transport reliable and affordable.

Impacts on consumers and industry

Transitioning away from ICEs affects what people drive, how they refuel, and where companies invest. The key implications are outlined below.

• Vehicle choice: More EV models across segments, including pickups and SUVs; fewer new ICE options over time.
• Total cost of ownership: Lower fueling and maintenance costs for EVs often offset higher purchase prices, especially with incentives and in high-mileage use.
• Charging access: Home and workplace charging offer convenience and low costs; public fast-charging networks are expanding along corridors and in urban areas.
• Used market: Growing volumes of used EVs improve affordability; battery health tools and warranties are becoming standard.
• Jobs and supply chains: Manufacturing shifts from engines to batteries and power electronics; new roles emerge in software, charging, and grid services.
• Energy markets: As EV adoption grows, electricity demand rises modestly while oil demand growth slows; managed charging helps balance the grid.

While change can be disruptive, most analyses find that consumer operating costs and overall system efficiency improve as the market scales and infrastructure matures.

Common criticisms and the debate

Not everyone agrees on the pace or design of ICE phaseouts. Policymakers are weighing trade-offs raised by industry, consumers, and researchers.

• Grid readiness: Critics worry about electricity supply; planners point to managed charging, off-peak rates, and grid upgrades already underway.
• Affordability: Upfront EV prices remain a barrier for some buyers; incentives, competitive pricing, and a growing used market are narrowing the gap.
• Lifecycle emissions: EVs have higher manufacturing emissions but typically repay that “carbon debt” through cleaner operation; decarbonizing power grids accelerates benefits.
• Materials sourcing: Concerns about cobalt, nickel, and lithium are driving shifts to chemistries like LFP, improved mining standards, and battery recycling mandates.
• Technology neutrality: Some argue for e-fuels or advanced hybrids; most experts see limited, higher-cost e-fuels best reserved for aviation and shipping.
• Policy stability: Frequent changes can create uncertainty for automakers and consumers, underscoring the need for clear, durable rules.

These debates are shaping adjustments to timelines and compliance flexibilities but haven’t reversed the broader movement toward zero-emission vehicles.

What about trucks, planes, ships, and hybrids?

ICE phaseout plans vary widely outside passenger cars, with technology readiness and duty cycles driving different approaches.

• Heavy-duty trucks and buses: The EU and U.S. have tightening CO2 and pollutant standards through the 2030s; battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell trucks are scaling first on predictable routes, while many cities are moving bus fleets to zero-emission models.
• Aviation: No near-term engine “ban”; policies focus on efficiency and sustainable aviation fuel blending mandates, with long-term work on novel propulsion.
• Shipping: International rules push cleaner fuels and efficiency; pilots are underway for methanol, ammonia, and battery-electric on shorter routes.
• Hybrids and plug-in hybrids: Often allowed as transition technologies before final phaseout dates, with stricter real-world performance requirements.
• Two-wheelers and small engines: Many jurisdictions are moving faster—some cities and states have accelerated timelines for motorcycles, scooters, and small off-road engines like lawn equipment.

The common thread is a sector-by-sector strategy: electrify where practical today, develop alternatives for hard-to-electrify segments, and set standards that ratchet up over time.

Outlook

The direction of travel is clear: as batteries get cheaper, ranges increase, and charging becomes ubiquitous, new ICE sales will keep shrinking—and policies are designed to ensure that trajectory aligns with climate and health goals. Expect continued debate over timelines and technologies, but also continued investment, falling costs, and broader consumer acceptance.

Summary

Combustion engines are being phased out of new vehicle sales primarily to meet climate targets, clean up urban air, and improve energy security, with policies that give industry and consumers a predictable transition path. The details vary by region, but the global trend is toward zero-emission vehicles supported by standards, incentives, and infrastructure, while heavier transport and specialized uses follow tailored timelines and technologies.

Can I still own a gas car after 2035?

Can I still drive my gasoline car after 2035? Yes. Even after 2035, gasoline cars can still be driven in California, registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and sold as a used car to a new owner.

Why are gas cars getting banned?

Gas cars are not being banned outright, but there are efforts, particularly in California, to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035 to combat climate change and improve air quality. The goal is to reduce transportation sector emissions, which are the leading cause of smog and greenhouse gases. This initiative involves phasing out new gasoline sales and promoting zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) like electric cars. 
Why the push for gas car phase-outs?

• Climate Change: The transportation sector is a major contributor to carbon pollution, and shifting to zero-emission vehicles is seen as a critical step to meet climate goals and combat global warming. 
• Air Quality: Burning fossil fuels produces pollutants that cause smog and toxic emissions, leading to significant health issues, especially in heavily polluted communities. 
• Reducing Fossil Fuel Dependence: The phase-out aims to lessen the state’s reliance on fossil fuels and accelerate the adoption of clean, renewable energy. 
• Innovation and Market Power: By setting ambitious goals, California hopes to drive innovation in zero-emission vehicle technology, potentially lowering costs for consumers and pushing the national and global market towards electric. 

Key aspects of the California plan:

• Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II): Opens in new tabCalifornia’s regulations require an increasing percentage of new cars and trucks sold to be zero-emission vehicles each year, culminating in all new light-duty vehicle sales being ZEVs by 2035. 
• State Authority: Opens in new tabCalifornia has the authority under the federal Clean Air Act to set more stringent vehicle emission standards than federal regulations, a right known as the California waiver. 
• Waiver Challenges: Opens in new tabWhile the EPA has granted California waivers for these stricter standards, the state’s plan has faced political challenges, including Senate votes to block it, though these votes did not override the EPA waiver. 
• Other States: Opens in new tabEleven other states have followed California’s lead, adopting similar regulations to phase out new gas-powered car sales. 

Are combustion engines going to be banned?

Combustion engines will not be banned from existence, but their sale will be phased out. California, and other states, plan to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035, with others potentially following suit. The European Union also had plans for a 2035 ban, but this is currently under reconsideration. The bans do not apply to existing vehicles, which can still be driven and sold, and they primarily target new vehicle sales rather than banning the engines themselves. 
What the Bans Mean

• No New Sales: The main focus is on the cessation of new vehicle sales. 
• Existing Cars Are Safe: You can continue to own, drive, and sell your current gasoline or diesel car. 
• Used Car Market: The bans do not affect the existing used car market. 
• Varying Regulations: The specifics and timing of bans will differ between countries and even states, with some opting for different approaches. 

Key Areas with Regulations

• United States: Opens in new tabCalifornia’s Advanced Clean Cars II rule aims to have 100% of new passenger car and light truck sales be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2035. Other states have also adopted similar goals. 
• European Union: Opens in new tabThe EU had previously legislated a ban on new gasoline and diesel cars starting in 2035, but there are efforts to overturn or amend this ban. 

Why the Shift to Zero-Emissions? 

• Climate Change: A primary driver for these regulations is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
• Pollution: Regulations aim to cut harmful air pollution.
• Incentivizing EVs: The goal is to accelerate the transition to electric and other zero-emission vehicles.

What’s Next?

• Infrastructure: Significant investment is being made in the electrification of the auto industry and the necessary charging infrastructure. 
• Technological Advancements: The development of electric vehicles (EVs) and other zero-emission technologies is accelerating. 
• Continued Evolution: Governments and auto manufacturers are continuously adapting to new rules and technological advancements. 

How many states are banning combustion engines?

Seventeen states have historically followed California’s regulations, but so far only Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington have announced they’ll enforce the Advanced Clean Cars II rule and prohibit the sale of new gasoline-powered …