France wants to ditch gas diesel powered cars by 2040
That's correct! In 2017, the French government announced a plan to ban the sale of gasoline and diesel-powered cars by 2040, as part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. This goal is part of a broader strategy to make France carbon neutral by 2050.
The ban will apply to all new car sales, not just passenger vehicles, and will include all types of gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles, including trucks, buses, and motorcycles. The government has also set a target of having at least 50% of new car sales be electric or hybrid vehicles by 2025.
France is not the only country to set a target date for banning internal combustion engine vehicles. Other countries, such as Norway, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, have also set similar targets. In fact, many countries are considering or have already implemented policies to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles in the coming decades.
The reasons for this shift are varied, but some of the main drivers include:
- Climate change: The transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and internal combustion engine vehicles are a major source of these emissions.
- Air pollution: Gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles emit pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds, which can have serious health impacts.
- Energy security: By transitioning to electric vehicles, countries can reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels and improve energy security.
- Economic benefits: The electric vehicle industry is growing rapidly, and many countries see the transition to electric vehicles as an opportunity to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth.
France's plan to ban gasoline and diesel-powered cars by 2040 is part of a broader effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. The country has already made significant progress in reducing emissions, and the ban is seen as a key step in achieving its climate goals.