The European Parliament endorsed on Wednesday the emission targets for cars and vans which require carmakers to ensure their cars cut down on emissions by 40% by 2030. At the same time, 35% of new cars will have to be either electric or plug-in hybrids.

The decision has been welcomed by the Slovenian Consumer Association, which highlighted benefits this will have for the consumers in addition to environmental benefits.

"Lower emissions mean lower fuel expenditure. At the same time, the number of electric and hybrid cars in manufacturers' fleets will almost surely go up as they try to achieve the average emissions [targets]," the association said in a release.

Noting that the commitments were a positive sign that cars will be cleaner in the future, the association also highlighted the introduction of emission tests in real-world conditions.

"This can only mean good news for consumers, because the offer of environmentally friendlier cars will increase. At the same time, it will be possible to calculate the costs of their use more accurately before purchase," the association's Boštjan Okorn said.

The decision's contribution to cleaner European fleets was also highlighted by motoring journalist Jure Gregorčič, who expressed the belief for the STA that there would be practically no European carmakers without at least one electric or plug-in hybrid in their fleet after 2020.

However, he is somewhat reserved about the feasibility of the emission targets: "I think they are attainable in some way. If nothing else, at least plug-in hybrids and electric cars will get more attention."

While understandable that car industry is trying to shirk them because of additional costs, Gregorčič thinks that they will be forced to make additional effort to expedite the transition to electric mobility.

"Without electric models, the target is unattainable," he stressed.

Hybrids and electric cars are gaining popularity in Slovenia, as 1,680 electric or hybrid cars were sold in the country between January and September, marking a 63% rise from the same period last year, according to the latest data by the automotive branch of the Chamber of Commerce.