German MEPs back end of combustion engine in EU by 2035

German EU lawmakers voted Wednesday in favor of a plan to effectively end the sale of new combustion engine cars in the bloc by 2035, in a move welcomed by environmentalists but criticized by some in the auto industry.

The European Parliament voted 340-279 in favor of a proposal to set tougher CO2 emissions standards for new cars and vans, which would require them to be zero-emission by 2035. The regulation still needs to be formally approved by the European Council before it can come into force, but it is expected to do so by the end of the year.

The vote is a major step towards the EU's goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050. Transport is one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, and cars and vans account for a significant proportion of these emissions.

Environmental groups have welcomed the vote, saying it will help to reduce air pollution and tackle climate change. However, some in the auto industry have criticized the plan, saying it could lead to job losses and make it more difficult for people to afford new cars.