EU approves CO2 car ban after Germany wins key exemption

The EU law will require all new cars sold to have zero CO2 emissions from 2035.

EU member states have given their final approval to a landmark law to end sales of new CO2-emitting cars in 2035, after Germany won an exemption for cars running on so-called e-fuels or synthetic fuels.

The approval from EU countries' energy ministers means Europe's main climate policy for cars can now enter into force — after weeks of delay caused by last-minute opposition from Germany.