The European Parliament has approved a draft law that prohibits the sale of new carbon dioxide-emitting vehicles, set to take effect in 2035.
If the legislation enters into force, it would very likely lead to the end of combustion-engine powered cars and vans in the bloc.
The European Union assembly is now to enter negotiations with the bloc's member countries, once they have adopted a joint position, meaning that the text of the final law still can be changed or watered down.
The mandate would amount to a prohibition on the sale in the 27-member EU of new cars powered by petrol or diesel.
The draft bill is part of the EU's climate change package dubbed Fit for 55, aiming to reduce climate-damaging emissions by 55 per cent by 2030, when compared to 1990 levels, and reach climate neutrality by 2050.
with reporting from AP