Austria considers banning new combustion vehicles from 2027 onwards
Austria's Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler is considering a ban on new vehicles with internal combustion engines from 2027 to meet the country's climate targets. This proposal comes at a time when Austria is facing the adoption of important legislation due to opposition from the SPÖ.
In October last year, CO2 pricing of fuels was introduced, which led to a significant increase in diesel and petrol prices. Now the Green Minister Gewessler plans to increase the CO2 tax from 55 euros per tonne to 120 euros by 2025 and further to 240 euros by 2030. This drastic tax increase is intended to encourage a shift to more environmentally friendly modes of transport and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to the proposed ban on internal combustion engine vehicles, the Ministry of Environment is looking for other creative solutions to combat climate change. One of these proposals is to introduce one car-free day per month in major cities. Another idea is to reduce the maximum speed limit, as demanded by climate activists.
However, these plans could face opposition from coalition partners and the business community.
Negotiations on Gewessler's proposals are ongoing, with the Federal Chancellery and the ÖVP-led Ministry of Finance reportedly putting on the brakes.
The ban on new vehicles with internal combustion engines could significantly change the Austrian car landscape and encourage consumers to switch to electric vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles. Although the proposal is still under discussion, it shows the government's commitment to finding innovative solutions to combat climate change and meet its emission reduction targets.