2025: Adios internal combustion engine?

The Netherlands is the latest nation set to phase out new petrol- and diesel-powered cars by 2025, having recently passed a motion through parliament. This follows on from a similar initiative in Norway late last year.

Under the change, the sale of hybrid cars would still be permitted and internal combustion vehicles sold before 2025 would be exempt from the ruling until the end of their operational lives.

The motion was initiated by the Dutch Labor Party, although it must be successfully passed through the senate before it becomes law.

Although still in its infancy, the proposal is under attack, with the Economic Affairs Minister Henk Kamp claiming that it could violate European Union law. As cars meeting current EU emissions standards must be legal in all member nations, he questions whether an EU member state can unilaterally ban cars that are legal in other states.

He also professed doubts that the electric-car market share will grow beyond the current level of about 15% in time for a smooth transition.

Despite the doubts, local conditions including a concentrated population, short average commuting distances and high fuel prices, as well as tax break incentives, have proven ideal for mass electric-car adoption. The Netherlands had previously set a target of putting 200,000 electric cars on the road by 2020, a goal it’s already expected to achieve.