In a shock move from one of the world’s biggest motor manufacturers, Volvo have called on the European Union to ban petrol and diesel cars by 2025.

Volvo are one of 27 companies who have formed an alliance to put pressure on governments to ban internal combustion engines within less than five years, an ultra-ambitious plan, which makes the UK government’s 2030 promise look a little out-of-date.

It’s not just motor manufacturers who asking for the 2025 call, with big brands such as IKEA, Sky and even Uber supporting the ban. It’s thought that by setting an early deadline, companies can focus on a sustainable future and make plans to decarbonise their fleets.

Anders Kärrberg, head of global sustainability at Volvo Cars, said: “By planning to become a fully electric car company by 2030, Volvo Cars intends to set the pace in the transition to zero emission mobility within our industry

“But clear governmental direction and support is also needed to accelerate this transition. In this respect, Volvo Cars is pleased to join this call for the European Commission to propose an end date on new sales of internal combustion engine vehicles within the EU by 2035.

“Additional measures are also needed to increase EU consumer demand for electrified vehicles, including the rapid development of a comprehensive charging infrastructure.”

The EU’s only current commitment on vehicles is that they aim to cut overall emissions by 55 per cent by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050, but a report published by Boston Consulting Group today said that the EU is not on course to meet its targets.

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