The European Parliament has formally approved new vehicle emissions standards that effectively mean a ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine cars and vans by 2035. 

The vote was 340 members in favour with 279 against, approving the regulation for zero CO2 emissions by the end of 2035. The new rules now need to be endorsed by the Council of the EU and be published in the EU Official Journal. This is largely a formality and should see the regulation becoming EU law in March. 

The new rules also aim for a 55% reduction of car emissions in the EU by 2030, compared to 2021. 

Jan Huitema, the parliament's lead negotiator on the matter commented, "This regulation encourages the production of zero and low-emission vehicles. It contains an ambitious revision of the targets for 2030 and a zero-emission target for 2035, which is crucial to reach climate neutrality by 2050. The targets create clarity for the car industry and stimulate innovation and investments for car manufacturers." 

As the world's largest trading bloc, the EU is a leader when it comes to developing global standards and has driven much of the emission reduction technology that has been developed by car makers in recent years. 

The 2035 ban has been largely anticipated for some time, with most car makers now planning to move away from petrol and diesel engine cars well before the target date. However, questions over CO2 emissions produced in the production of EVs and their batteries remain, as well as the source of the power used to charge EVs. This means that car makers are likely to pursue other technology alternatives, such as synthetic fuels and hydrogen, alongside EV development.