German lawmaking body votes to ban internal combustion engine by 2030

The German Bundesrat has made a major statement in the trajectory towards electric cars, as it has voted to ban internal combustion engines by 2030, and will pressure the European Commission into a more eco-friendly approach to transport.

The federal council of Germany's 16 states voted to ban vehicles which use diesel and petrol engines in an effort to promote the use of electric vehicles.

Automobile manufacturing is one of the largest sectors of the German economy, and the country is the third largest producer of vehicles in the world.

The Bundesrat will urge its lawmaking partners in Brussels to push the incentives for zero emission vehicles, in an effort to meet the target date of 2030.

"If the Paris agreement to curb climate-warming emissions is to be taken seriously, no new combustion engine cars should be allowed on roads after 2030," Der Spiegel quoted Greens party member Oliver Krischer as saying.

Earlier this year, Germany also brought in a new incentive for car owners to go electric, offering major subsidies for those purchasing vehicles with electric capabilities.

Discounts of up to €4,000 are available for those purchasing electric cars.