Mobility Barometer 2025

More people reject the planned 2035 gas car ban – but one group goes against the tide

Hands off our gas cars – and drop the idea of banning them after 2035. That’s the clear majority view across the Nordic region – and it’s gaining traction. But not everyone agrees.

The issue has sparked debate across Europe, centering on the EU’s plan to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars by 2035. The goal is for all new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles to be free from carbon emissions in an effort to protect the climate.

But the idea of such a ban isn’t resonating with most people, at least not in the Nordics. Only one in five, 20 percent, support the idea of stopping new fossil-fueled cars from being sold. That’s roughly the same as last year, when support stood at 21 percent.

Those opposed to the ban have instead increased slightly and now make up a majority of 51 percent, compared with 49 percent in 2024.

The most negative

So, what does a typical opponent look like?

To begin with, people in all Nordic countries are more negative than positive toward a ban. The strongest opposition comes from Finns, residents of sparsely populated areas, and those aged 50 or older. Perhaps not surprisingly, resistance is also highest among those currently driving gasoline or diesel cars.

And the less negative?

Support for a ban is somewhat higher among Norwegians, city dwellers, and younger people – although even there, opponents still outnumber supporters.

There’s really only one group where a ban on gas and diesel cars finds more supporters than critics – those who already drive electric. Among EV owners, 38 percent support ending sales of new fossil-fueled cars after 2035, slightly more than the 36 percent who disagree.