With air pollution being ever so prominent in the past years, France has decided to put is foot down by ending the sales of both gasoline and diesel cars by the year 2040. The decision to ban non-electric vehicles by 2040 is part of an ambitious plan under Emmanuel Macron’s government, which hopes to reach its targets under the Paris climate accord.

According to Nicolas Hulot, France's new ecology minister, the decision was made mainly due to public health concerns and as a way to fight against air pollution, which several French cities such as Paris struggle with on a high level. Pascal Canfin, head of WWF (World Wildlife Federation) France says that the new policy would place France as one of the world leaders of climate change in the world.

The plan to ban sales of all gasoline and diesel cars by 2040 would definitely be affecting France's automotive industry. Hulot however mentions that it would indeed be difficult for French automakers, but is confident that the industry was well equipped to make the switch to electric vehicles. It is still unclear however what will happen to existing fossil fuel vehicles still in use by 2040.

“Our (car)makers have enough ideas in the drawer to nurture and bring about this promise, which is also a public health issue,” said Hulot.

Apart from France, other countries, such as London and India have shown interest in banning gasoline and diesel powered vehicles as well, but have yet to set concrete goals. The news also comes soon after Volvo announced that all of their vehicles will be hybrid or electric powered by 2019. With France paving the way of banning gasoline and diesel cars, it seems as though it will only be a matter of time until the electric vehicles take over.