World roadmap

The world's road vehicles, 1986 to 2066

How vehicles have been powered, regulated, certified, traded and used since 1986, and what is already dated until 2066: the world's milestones, three paths beyond them, every country's rulebook and twenty markets in detail. Every fact links to its source.

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114 events, 106 on record and 8 dated aheadHappened Dated ahead: a law or official target Draft

Forty years of recordToday, 1 November 2026 Forty years ahead

198619962006201620262036204620562066

Software, data and automationJan 2027Dated ahead

UN Regulation 185 on automated driving systems takes effect

Notified on 30 July 2026, UN Regulation No. 185 on automated driving systems is adopted unless over a fifth of 1958 Agreement parties object within six months, so it takes effect around January 2027.

Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busestreaties.un.orgMedium confidence: the month is inferred or two sources were combined

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Three paths to 2066

After the dated plans, nothing is fixed. Three paths from published outlooks; the numbers are theirs.

Electric share of new cars sold worldwide

Dots are published figures; lines join them. The outlooks measure slightly different things (cars, or cars and vans), so read the lines as a range.

Faster

Pledges met

Countries meet their pledges: the COP26 zero-emission car and van goals (2035 in leading markets, 2040 worldwide), the Global MOU for trucks and buses, and IEA's Net Zero Emissions by 2050 path, with two-thirds of new cars and vans electric by 2030 and all by 2035.

2030Electric cars and vans 67% of sales, two/three-wheelers 78%, buses 56%, heavy trucks 37%; 17 million public charging points (IEA Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario, 2023 roadmap) iea.org
203030% zero-emission truck and bus sales in the 44 countries and territories endorsing the Global MOU globaldrivetozero.org
2030EVs displace more than 7.5 mb/d of oil (IEA GEVO 2026, Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario) iea.org
2035100% electric sales of cars, vans and two/three-wheelers; buses 90%, heavy trucks 65% (IEA Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario) iea.org
2035EV fleet close to 800 million (excluding two/three-wheelers); EVs displace over 15 mb/d of oil; EV electricity above 3,000 TWh, about 7% of world demand (IEA GEVO 2026, NZE) iea.org
2040All new car and van sales zero emission worldwide (COP26 declaration), and 100% zero-emission truck and bus sales in Global MOU countries gov.uk
2050All new cars, vans, two/three-wheelers, buses and heavy trucks electric (100% of sales) and 31 million public charging points (IEA Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario, 2023 roadmap) iea.org
2050Net-zero energy-sector emissions; after overshooting 1.5 C for several decades, warming falls back below 1.5 C by 2100 (IEA WEO 2025, NZE) iea.org
2050Compared with its base case, BloombergNEF's Net Zero Scenario needs 423 million more zero-emission cars, 515 million more electric two/three-wheelers and nearly 28 million more zero-emission heavy trucks by 2050 assets.bbhub.io

By 2066, in Kruvaa's wordsroad vehicles worldwide are almost all electric and charged mainly from clean power; transport's direct CO2 is close to zero after 2050, and warming, after an overshoot, is heading back toward 1.5 C.

As announced

Adopted and proposed policies carried out

Governments carry out the policies they have adopted or formally proposed (IEA Stated Policies Scenario). EVs dominate in China and Europe, spread more slowly elsewhere and pass half of world car sales by 2035; oil use plateaus around 2030 and warming heads for about 2.5 C.

2030EVs about 40% of new light-duty vehicle and two/three-wheeler sales worldwide; EV fleet excluding two/three-wheelers about 250 million (IEA Stated Policies Scenario, GEVO 2025) iea.org
2030Electric trucks about 13% of global truck sales; electric buses under 20% of bus sales (IEA Stated Policies Scenario, GEVO 2025) iea.org
2030EV share of new passenger car sales worldwide 38%, with over 35 million passenger EVs sold (BloombergNEF EVO 2026 near-term outlook) assets.bbhub.io
2030World oil demand levels off at about 102 mb/d around 2030, then declines slowly (IEA WEO 2025, Stated Policies Scenario) iea.org
2035EVs above 50% of new car sales worldwide (IEA WEO 2025, Stated Policies Scenario) iea.org
2035Electric two/three-wheelers close to 60% of sales and electric buses close to 25%; EV electricity use about 1,700 TWh, about 5% of world demand (IEA GEVO 2026, Stated Policies) iea.org
2035EVs displace about 10 mb/d of oil (IEA GEVO 2026, Stated Policies Scenario) iea.org
2040Two-thirds (66%) of passenger car sales electric; 260 million charging connectors installed by 2040; EVs displace almost 26 mb/d (BloombergNEF Economic Transition Scenario) assets.bbhub.io
2050Energy-sector CO2 below 30 Gt a year by 2050; warming of about 2.5 C by 2100 (IEA WEO 2025, Stated Policies Scenario) iea.org

By 2066, in Kruvaa's wordsmost new road vehicles in China, Europe and other front-runner markets are electric well before 2050; elsewhere hybrids and older combustion fleets linger, so road-transport emissions are still falling in 2066 and warming is on a path of about 2.5 C.

Slower

Only policies in force, markets split by tariffs

Only policies already in force continue (IEA Current Policies Scenario), US support is cut, and tariffs and export controls split markets. EV sales stall outside China and Europe, the EV share of car sales plateaus near 40% after 2035, and oil demand keeps rising to 2050.

2026Global electric car sales 8% lower year on year in Q1 2026 after policy changes in China and the US (IEA GEVO 2026) iea.org
2030US electric share of light-duty sales about 20%, less than half of IEA's previous projection (IEA GEVO 2025) iea.org
2035EV fleet just over 450 million (excluding two/three-wheelers); electric trucks about 20% of truck sales; about 10% of buses on the road electric (IEA Current Policies Scenario, GEVO 2026) iea.org
2035Road-transport CO2 more than 2% above 2025; EV electricity demand just over 1,500 TWh, about 4% of world demand (IEA Current Policies Scenario, GEVO 2026) iea.org
2035EV share of world car sales plateaus at around 40% after 2035 (IEA WEO 2025, Current Policies Scenario) iea.org
2040BloombergNEF cuts its 2040 EV share of passenger car sales to 57% in the US (from 71%) and 66% worldwide (from 70%); US EV sales nearly 20 million lower over 2026-2040 assets.bbhub.io
2050Oil demand rises to 113 mb/d; energy-related CO2 stays near 40 Gt a year (IEA WEO 2025, Current Policies Scenario) iea.org
2050Warming of about 2 C by 2050 and 2.9 C by 2100 (IEA WEO 2025, Current Policies Scenario) iea.org

By 2066, in Kruvaa's wordsa split world, with China and Europe largely electric while other regions still sell many combustion and hybrid vehicles; oil demand falls only after 2050 and warming heads toward about 3 C by 2100.

Each lane on each path

Pick a lane to read the three paths side by side. Past 2050 the outlooks stop, and the words are Kruvaa's extrapolation.

Powertrain and batteries

Faster

Electric drive takes over every segment: IEA's net-zero path has 67% of car and van sales electric by 2030 and all of them by 2035, with two- and three-wheelers at 78% and then 100%. Fast-charging platforms, cheaper batteries and new chemistries make EVs cheaper to buy than combustion models, and fuel cells serve some long-haul uses. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: almost no combustion vehicles are sold anywhere and the fleet is close to fully electric by the 2060s.

As announced

To 2035 battery-electric and plug-in hybrid cars become the default in China and Europe, while hybrids and efficient engines stay common elsewhere; IEA's Stated Policies Scenario has EVs above half of world car sales by 2035. 800- to 1,000-volt platforms and cheaper batteries cut charging times and prices. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: most new light vehicles worldwide become electric during the 2050s, with a shrinking tail of hybrids where policy is weak.

Slower

EV uptake stalls where support is weak: IEA's Current Policies Scenario has the EV share of world car sales plateau around 40% after 2035, with China and Europe the main exceptions. Hybrids and efficient petrol and diesel engines stay mainstream in much of the Americas, Africa and Asia. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: combustion and hybrid cars remain a large share of sales in many countries into the 2060s.

Software, data and automation

Faster

Cybersecurity and software rules converge: UN R155, R156 and automated-driving regulations are applied by most vehicle markets. Automated driving moves beyond Level 3 under harmonised UN rules and takes a growing share of driving. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: software assurance is the main approval topic everywhere, and mixed fleets of automated and human-driven vehicles are the main safety question.

As announced

Cybersecurity and software-update management under UN R155 and R156 become a normal condition of approval in UN 1958 Agreement markets, alongside ISO/SAE 21434, and software and over-the-air updates become standard. Level 3 systems approved under UN R157 reach more markets, and rules for driver assistance and automated driving develop step by step on the R157 model. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: automated functions handle a growing share of motorway driving and software assurance becomes the main approval topic.

Slower

Rules fragment: cybersecurity, data and connected-vehicle requirements diverge between major markets, adding separate compliance work, and automated driving remains limited to a few markets. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: vehicle software and data stay split into regional versions.

Energy and infrastructure

Faster

Charging expands to about 17 million public points by 2030 on IEA's net-zero path, and EVs use more than 3,000 TWh of electricity by 2035, about 7% of world demand, supplied increasingly from clean power with smart charging and vehicle-to-grid support. EVs displace over 7.5 mb/d of oil by 2030 and over 15 mb/d by 2035. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: road transport runs almost entirely on low-carbon electricity, with hydrogen and advanced biofuels in remaining niches.

As announced

Public charging keeps growing from more than 7 million points in 2025, two-thirds of them in China, and EV electricity use rises from about 250 TWh in 2025 to about 1,700 TWh in 2035 (IEA Stated Policies), around 5% of world demand, so smart charging and grid upgrades matter more than new generation. World oil demand levels off near 102 mb/d around 2030. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: road transport keeps shifting to electricity, and fuel-security shocks such as the 2026 oil crisis speed the move in importing countries.

Slower

Charging build-out slows where subsidies are cut, and oil demand keeps rising to 113 mb/d by 2050 (IEA Current Policies). EV electricity demand still reaches about 1,500 TWh by 2035, around 4% of world use, mostly in China and Europe. Oil-supply shocks like 2026's recur. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: road fuel use declines only slowly, and fuel quality and biofuel blending remain the main levers in many countries.

Emissions and climate

Faster

Countries meet the COP26 declaration (all new cars and vans zero emission by 2035 in leading markets and by 2040 worldwide) and the Global MOU (30% zero-emission truck and bus sales by 2030, 100% by 2040), with CO2 standards and sales bans tightened to match. Energy-sector emissions reach net zero by 2050; IEA says 1.5 C is overshot for several decades before warming returns below it by 2100. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: road transport is close to zero direct CO2.

As announced

CO2 and fuel-economy standards stay the main driver of EV sales outside China. Phase-out dates hold in front-runner markets, though some are softened, as with the EU's proposed Automotive Package, which IEA says lowers its 2035 outlook. The COP26 2035 and 2040 zero-emission car goals are met only in leading markets. IEA's Stated Policies path has energy-sector CO2 below 30 Gt by 2050 and about 2.5 C of warming by 2100. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: road-transport emissions keep falling slowly as older vehicles retire.

Slower

Standards are delayed or weakened and ICE phase-out dates slip. IEA's Current Policies path keeps energy CO2 near 40 Gt a year to 2050, road-transport emissions more than 2% higher in 2035 than in 2025, and warming of about 2 C by 2050 and 2.9 C by 2100. The COP26 zero-emission vehicle goals are missed. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: road-transport emissions fall only after 2050 as EVs win on cost alone.

Vehicle safety

Faster

Safety rules converge: NCAP-style ratings cover every region and active-safety systems are standard on new vehicles everywhere. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: remaining safety work focuses on mixed fleets and older vehicles in emerging markets.

As announced

NCAP programmes, now including Bharat NCAP, keep tightening their protocols, and active-safety systems spread from rich markets outward. Road-safety gains stay uneven between rich and poor markets. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: active-safety systems are standard on new vehicles in most markets, while older imported fleets keep the gap open.

Slower

Active-safety mandates reach low-income markets slowly because they rely on imported used vehicles. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: safety gaps between rich and poor markets persist.

End of life and recycling

Faster

Battery passports, carbon-footprint declarations and recycled-content rules spread worldwide, and recycling capacity is built ahead of the battery retirement wave. Exporting and importing countries set minimum standards for used vehicles, cutting the trade in old, polluting cars. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: most battery minerals for new vehicles come from recycling and end-of-life vehicles are recovered to high rates in most markets.

As announced

Battery recycling grows fastest in China, which accounted for two-thirds of new recycling capacity since 2020, while battery passports and carbon-footprint declarations spread through regional rules and industry schemes. Used vehicles keep flowing to Africa and other low- and middle-income markets, where two-thirds of countries studied by UNEP have weak import rules. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: the first large wave of retired EV batteries makes recycled lithium, nickel and cobalt a significant source of supply.

Slower

Recycling stays concentrated in China and weak elsewhere, and battery passports remain regional. Older vehicles keep flowing from richer to poorer countries, where two-thirds of the countries UNEP studied have weak or very weak import rules. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: large numbers of old combustion vehicles stay in use in low-income markets.

Approval, testing and quality

Faster

Approval and testing harmonise around the UN 1958 and 1998 Agreements, with whole-vehicle approval, software-update and automated-driving regulations accepted in more markets. Quality systems (ISO 9001:2026, IATF 16949 second edition from 2027) build in software quality and Tier-N supply-chain control. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: continuous, data-based conformity checks over a vehicle's life replace much one-off testing.

As announced

Quality and approval systems are updated rather than replaced: ISO 9001:2026 is followed by the second edition of IATF 16949, planned for mid-2027 with software quality and Tier-N supply-chain management among its priorities, and ISO 26262 is due for revision. WLTP and UN Regulations remain the reference for most markets outside North America. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: approval increasingly covers software over a vehicle's life, using in-service data rather than one-off tests.

Slower

Approval regimes drift apart as trade blocs use technical and data-security rules as barriers and mutual recognition stalls; ISO 9001:2026 and IATF 16949 carry on, but carmakers need more market-specific approvals. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: several distinct approval families persist.

Trade and market

Faster

Trade stays open enough for low-cost EVs, batteries and components to reach emerging markets quickly, and industrial policy competes through incentives more than tariffs. Electric trucks and buses follow cars as Chinese, European, Indian and other makers export them. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: EVs are a global commodity product, with production spread across Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa.

As announced

China remains the largest EV maker and exporter: Chinese carmakers supplied 60% of EVs sold worldwide in 2025, and 55% of EVs sold outside China, Europe and the US were imported from China. Tariffs on Chinese EVs persist in some markets, pushing Chinese firms to build plants abroad. IEA expects Southeast Asia's electric car share to rise up to threefold by 2035, with Viet Nam above 80%. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: production regionalises around large markets, while Asian EV exports dominate emerging markets.

Slower

Tariffs and local-content rules multiply and Chinese exports are redirected to emerging markets. BloombergNEF's 2026 outlook already cut US passenger EV sales by nearly 20 million over 2026-2040. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: regional blocs run separate vehicle and battery supply chains.

Supply chain and materials

Faster

New mining, refining and cell capacity outside China, recycling and lithium-free chemistries reduce concentration and the risk of price spikes like 2022's sevenfold rise in lithium. Responsible-sourcing and due-diligence rules apply across the chain. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: supply is diversified and a large share of battery materials is recycled.

As announced

China keeps over 80% of battery-cell output and most refining; IEA expects the top-three refining countries' share of key energy minerals to fall only from 86% in 2024 to 82% by 2035. Export controls on rare earths, graphite and battery technology remain a lever in trade disputes, and new mines and refineries elsewhere take years to reach scale. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: recycling and new battery chemistries ease, but do not remove, dependence on a few suppliers.

Slower

Export controls spread (more than half of strategic energy minerals were under some control by November 2025), and IEA says supply concentration would stay higher than in its Stated Policies case. Chip and mineral disruptions like those of 2021 and 2025 recur. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: parallel, costlier supply chains serve each bloc.

Mobility and customers

Faster

Public transport and shared fleets electrify first: buses reach 90% electric sales by 2035 on IEA's net-zero path and two- and three-wheelers 100%. Robotaxi and shared automated services scale in big cities, and ride-hailing fleets go fully electric. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: in large cities shared automated electric fleets carry a big share of trips and private car ownership falls.

As announced

Ride-hailing and app-based services are mainstream, electric buses keep spreading (close to 25% of bus sales by 2035 in IEA's Stated Policies Scenario) and two- and three-wheelers electrify fastest. Robotaxis grow from a few cities: BloombergNEF expects over 1 million on the road in 2032 and 15.5 million by 2040, about 1% of the fleet. Half the growth in the world car fleet to 2035 comes from emerging economies outside China (IEA). 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: shared automated fleets become common in large cities while rural and emerging markets keep mostly private vehicles.

Slower

Private car ownership keeps growing in emerging economies, which supply half the growth in the world car fleet to 2035 (IEA), many of them with imported used cars. Robotaxi growth is slower than expected; BloombergNEF has already cut its robotaxi fleet outlook. 2050-2066 is Kruvaa's extrapolation, beyond the sources' horizon: mobility stays car-centred, with mixed electric and combustion fleets.

Every country's rulebook

195 countries: the UN's member states, plus Taiwan and Hong Kong, which run their own vehicle rules.

Rely on other regimes' approvals

110 of 195

Apply EU type approval

Parties to the UN 1958 Agreement

61 countries and the EU

Parties to the UN 1998 Agreement

40 countries and the EU

Point at a country, or tap it, to read its rulebook.

What each rulebook means

EU type approval EU whole-vehicle type approval
UN Regulations UN Regulations under the 1958 Agreement
US standards US federal standards, self-certified
China GB and CCC China's GB standards and CCC
India CMVR and AIS India's CMVR, AIS and BIS rules
Gulf GSO Gulf (GSO) technical regulations
EAEU regulation Eurasian Economic Union regulation
Own national rules Its own national standards
Relies on others No full scheme of its own: relies on other regimes' approvals and import rules

Find a country Region

195 countries

Vehicle rulebook of every country
Country	Rulebook	UN 1958	UN 1998	Cars' emission standard	Zero-emission target	Note and source
AfghanistanSouthern Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Mostly used imports; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules very weak developmentaid.org
AlbaniaSouthern Europe	UN Regulations	Yes	Yes	Unknown	None official	EU candidate; homologation based on UN regs; 1998 CP since 2024; UNEP: strong used-import rules treaties.un.org
AlgeriaNorthern Africa	Own national rules	No	No	None	None official	Used imports 3 yrs or less; no emission standard for imports (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
AndorraSouthern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	No	Euro 6e-bis	None official	No own approval scheme; registers EU-approved vehicles; 1958 CP since 2023 treaties.un.org
AngolaMiddle Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used-import age limit 6-8 yrs; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
Antigua and BarbudaCaribbean	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used-import age limit 4-5 yrs; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
ArgentinaSouth America	Own national rules	No	No	Euro 5	None official	Euro 5a for all new LDVs since 2017-18 (Res. 1464/2014); no Euro 6 rule found dieselnet.com
ArmeniaWestern Asia	EAEU regulation	Yes	No	Euro 5	2040 (COP26 pledge)	EAEU TR CU 018/2011; 1958 CP since 2018, not 1998 dieselnet.com
AustraliaAustralia and New Zealand	UN Regulations	Yes	Yes	Euro 5 (Euro 6 new models)	None official	ADRs under RVSA, harmonised with UN regs; Euro 6 all new cars Jul 2028; NVES CO2 targets dieselnet.com
AustriaWestern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	No	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
AzerbaijanWestern Asia	Own national rules	Yes	Yes	Unknown	2040 (COP26 pledge)	1958 and 1998 CP since 2002; mostly imported vehicles; UNEP 2021: good import rules treaties.un.org
BahamasCaribbean	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used-import age limit 4-5 yrs; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
BahrainWestern Asia	Gulf GSO	No	No	Unknown	None official	GSO technical regulations; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules good developmentaid.org
BangladeshSouthern Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	Unknown	Import market; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules good developmentaid.org
BarbadosCaribbean	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used-import age limit 4-5 yrs and mileage limits; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
BelarusEastern Europe	EAEU regulation	Yes	Yes	Euro 5	None official	EAEU TR CU 018/2011, ecological class 5; 1958 and 1998 CP dieselnet.com
BelgiumWestern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	No	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
BelizeCentral America	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used-import age limit 4-5 yrs; environmental tax; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
BeninWestern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 4	None official	ECOWAS Euro 4/IV directive from 2021, uptake unconfirmed; no age limit (UNEP 2020) roadsafetyfund.un.org
BhutanSouthern Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	Unknown	Import market; used-vehicle imports banned (UNEP 2021) developmentaid.org
BoliviaSouth America	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 3 or below	None official	Used-import age limit 4-5 yrs, engine-size limits (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
Bosnia and HerzegovinaSouthern Europe	UN Regulations	Yes	No	Unknown	None official	EU candidate; homologation based on UN regs; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules weak treaties.un.org
BotswanaSouthern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
BrazilSouth America	Own national rules	No	No	PROCONVE L8	None official	L8 since Jan 2025 (fleet avg 50 mg/km NMOG+NOx), tightening 2027-2031; used imports banned transportpolicy.net
BruneiSouth-eastern Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	Unknown	Small import market; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules good developmentaid.org
BulgariaEastern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	No	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
Burkina FasoWestern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Left ECOWAS Jan 2025, so its Euro 4/IV directive lapses; no age limit (UNEP 2020) roadsafetyfund.un.org
BurundiEastern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 4	None official	EAC Euro 4/IV standard EAS 1047:2022, uptake unconfirmed; age band 9+ yrs (UNEP 2020) mptf.undp.org
Cabo VerdeWestern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 4	2040 pledge (ZEV Declaration)	ECOWAS Euro 4/IV directive from 2021, uptake unconfirmed; no age limit (UNEP 2020) roadsafetyfund.un.org
CambodiaSouth-eastern Asia	Relies on others	Yes	No	Euro 4	Unknown	1958 CP since 2026; Euro 4 for imports since 2022, Euro 5 due 2027; many used imports ccacoalition.org
CameroonMiddle Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020); draft clean-import policy 2022 nrso.ntua.gr
CanadaNorthern America	US standards	No	Yes	Tier 3	2035 (EVAS; repeal proposed)	EVAS 100% ZEV by 2035 still law; repeal proposed Aug 2026; new goal 75% EV by 2035 gazette.gc.ca
Central African RepublicMiddle Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
ChadMiddle Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used-import age limit 4-5 yrs; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
ChileSouth America	Own national rules	No	No	Euro 6c / Tier 3	2035 (100% ZE light/medium sales)	Euro 6c or Tier 3 Bin 70 from 30 Sep 2025; used-car imports banned; ZEV Declaration signatory anac.cl
ChinaEastern Asia	China GB and CCC	No	Yes	China 6b	2035 (BEVs mainstream; no ban)	GB standards and CCC; NEV dual-credit mandate; 1998 CP, not 1958 dieselnet.com
ColombiaSouth America	Own national rules	No	No	Euro 4 / Tier 2 (petrol)	2040 pledge (ZEV Declaration, 2024)	Since 2023: petrol LDV Tier 2/Euro 4, diesel LDV Euro 6, HDV Euro VI (Law 1972/2019) dieselnet.com
ComorosEastern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
Costa RicaCentral America	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 4	2040 pledge (ZEV Declaration)	Euro 4 for imports, no age limit, border smog tests (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
CroatiaSouthern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	No	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
CubaCaribbean	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
CyprusWestern Asia	EU type approval	No	Yes	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA; drives on the left; not itself a 1958 CP (the EU is) theicct.org
CzechiaEastern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	No	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
Côte d'IvoireWestern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 4	None official	ECOWAS Euro 4/IV directive from 2021; used-import age limit 4-5 yrs (UNEP 2020) roadsafetyfund.un.org
DR CongoMiddle Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	EAC member since 2022, Euro 4/IV uptake unconfirmed; age band 9+ yrs (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
DenmarkNorthern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	No	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
DjiboutiEastern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used-import age limit 6-8 yrs; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
DominicaCaribbean	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
Dominican RepublicCaribbean	Relies on others	No	No	None	2040 pledge (ZEV Declaration)	Used-import age limit 4-5 yrs, engine-size limits; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
EcuadorSouth America	Own national rules	No	No	Unknown	None official	Used-vehicle imports banned (UNEP 2020); LDV emission stage not confirmed nrso.ntua.gr
EgyptNorthern Africa	UN Regulations	Yes	No	Unknown	None official	1958 CP since 2013; used-car imports banned, used EVs under 3 yrs allowed (UNEP 2020) treaties.un.org
El SalvadorCentral America	Relies on others	No	No	None	2040 pledge (ZEV Declaration)	Used-import age limit 6-8 yrs; working catalyst required; no emission standard (UNEP) nrso.ntua.gr
Equatorial GuineaMiddle Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
EritreaEastern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
EstoniaNorthern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	No	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
EswatiniSouthern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
EthiopiaEastern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	2024 (ICE private-car import ban)	Import ban on non-electric private cars announced 2024; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) en.wikipedia.org
FijiMelanesia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Import market; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules good developmentaid.org
FinlandNorthern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	Yes	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
FranceWestern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	Yes	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
GabonMiddle Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used-import age limit 4-5 yrs; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
GambiaWestern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 4	None official	ECOWAS Euro 4/IV directive; national standards being aligned (UNEP); no age limit mptf.undp.org
GeorgiaWestern Asia	Relies on others	Yes	No	Euro 5	None official	1958 CP since 2015; mostly used imports; Euro 5 import rule from 2024 (FIA/UNEP) fiaregion1.com
GermanyWestern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	Yes	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
GhanaWestern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 4	2040 pledge (ZEV Declaration)	ECOWAS Euro 4/IV directive from 2021; imports over 10 yrs restricted (UNEP 2020) roadsafetyfund.un.org
GreeceSouthern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	No	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
GrenadaCaribbean	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
GuatemalaCentral America	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used imports allowed, 9+ yr age band; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
GuineaWestern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 4	None official	ECOWAS Euro 4/IV directive from 2021, uptake unconfirmed; no age limit (UNEP 2020) roadsafetyfund.un.org
Guinea-BissauWestern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 4	None official	ECOWAS Euro 4/IV directive from 2021, uptake unconfirmed; no age limit (UNEP 2020) roadsafetyfund.un.org
GuyanaSouth America	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used-import age limit 6-8 yrs; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
HaitiCaribbean	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
HondurasCentral America	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used-import age limit 6-8 yrs; border smog tests; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
Hong KongEastern Asia	Relies on others	No	Yes	Euro 6c (petrol)	2035 (no new fuel private cars)	Own registration rules; diesel private cars must meet LEV III; 1998 Agreement applies via China epd.gov.hk
HungaryEastern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	Yes	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
IcelandNorthern Europe	EU type approval	No	No	Euro 6e-bis	2030 (plan: no new petrol/diesel cars)	EEA: applies EU type approval; not a 1958 or 1998 CP; zev from climate plan en.wikipedia.org
IndiaSouthern Asia	India CMVR and AIS	No	Yes	BS VI Stage 2	2040 (COP26 pledge)	CMVR, AIS and BIS rules; RDE since Apr 2023; used imports banned (UNEP); 1998 CP only dieselnet.com
IndonesiaSouth-eastern Asia	Own national rules	No	No	Euro 4	None official	Own standards, not a UN CP; Euro 4 petrol 2018, diesel 2022; used imports banned (UNEP) transportpolicy.net
IranSouthern Asia	Own national rules	No	No	Unknown	None official	Large domestic car industry under national standards; not a UN CP; UNEP: very good import rules developmentaid.org
IraqWestern Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Import market; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules very good developmentaid.org
IrelandNorthern Europe	EU type approval	No	No	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA; drives on the left; not itself a 1958 CP (the EU is) theicct.org
IsraelWestern Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	2030 (government goal, not law)	No car industry; Ministry of Transport import approvals; COP26 ZEV signatory en.wikipedia.org
ItalySouthern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	Yes	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
JamaicaCaribbean	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used-import age limit 4-5 yrs; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
JapanEastern Asia	UN Regulations	Yes	Yes	Japan 2018 (WLTC)	2035 (electrified, hybrids allowed)	UN regs plus own safety rules; IWVTA mutual recognition; 1958 and 1998 CP dieselnet.com
JordanWestern Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Relies on imports incl. used cars; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules very weak developmentaid.org
KazakhstanCentral Asia	EAEU regulation	Yes	Yes	Euro 5	None official	EAEU TR CU 018/2011, class 5; local assembly; 1958 and 1998 CP dieselnet.com
KenyaEastern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 4	2040 pledge (ZEV Declaration)	KS 1515:2019 Euro 4/IV + 8-yr age limit; Euro 4 enforcement halted by court case roadsafetyfund.un.org
KiribatiMicronesia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Small import market; not covered by UNEP used-vehicle survey treaties.un.org
KuwaitWestern Asia	Gulf GSO	No	No	Unknown	None official	GSO technical regulations; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules good developmentaid.org
KyrgyzstanCentral Asia	EAEU regulation	Yes	Yes	Euro 5	None official	EAEU TR CU 018/2011; 1958 CP since 2023, 1998 CP since 2026 dieselnet.com
LaosSouth-eastern Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	Unknown	Import market; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules very weak developmentaid.org
LatviaNorthern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	No	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
LebanonWestern Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Relies on imports incl. used cars; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules weak developmentaid.org
LesothoSouthern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used-import age limit 4-5 yrs; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
LiberiaWestern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 4	None official	ECOWAS Euro 4/IV directive from 2021, uptake unconfirmed; no age limit (UNEP 2020) roadsafetyfund.un.org
LibyaNorthern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Vehicles over 10 yrs not allowed; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
LiechtensteinWestern Europe	EU type approval	No	No	Euro 6e-bis	2040 (COP26 pledge)	EEA: applies EU type approval; customs union with Switzerland; not a UN CP acceleratingtozero.org
LithuaniaNorthern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	Yes	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
LuxembourgWestern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	Yes	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
MadagascarEastern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
MalawiEastern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
MalaysiaSouth-eastern Asia	UN Regulations	Yes	Yes	Unknown	Unknown	JPJ type approval based on UN regs; local makers Proton, Perodua; 1958 and 1998 CP treaties.un.org
MaldivesSouthern Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Small import market; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules good developmentaid.org
MaliWestern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Left ECOWAS Jan 2025, so its Euro 4/IV directive lapses; no age limit (UNEP 2020) roadsafetyfund.un.org
MaltaSouthern Europe	EU type approval	No	No	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA; drives on the left; not itself a 1958 CP (the EU is) theicct.org
Marshall IslandsMicronesia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Small import market; not covered by UNEP used-vehicle survey treaties.un.org
MauritaniaWestern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Not in ECOWAS; used-import age limit 4-5 yrs; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
MauritiusEastern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used imports 3 yrs or less; CO2-based excise tax; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
MexicoCentral America	Own national rules	No	No	Tier 2 / Euro 4	2040 pledge (ZEV Declaration)	NOM-042-SEMARNAT-2003 with US (Tier 1/2) or EU (Euro 3/4) options; no successor found transportpolicy.net
Micronesia (Federated States of)Micronesia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Small import market; not covered by UNEP used-vehicle survey treaties.un.org
MoldovaEastern Europe	UN Regulations	Yes	Yes	Unknown	None official	EU candidate; 1958 and 1998 CP; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules very weak treaties.un.org
MonacoWestern Europe	EU type approval	No	No	Euro 6e-bis	None official	No own approval scheme; follows French/EU vehicle rules; not a UN CP treaties.un.org
MongoliaEastern Asia	Relies on others	Yes	No	Unknown	None official	1958 CP since 2026; mostly used imports; Euro 5 adopted 2023, implementation pending fiaregion1.com
MontenegroSouthern Europe	UN Regulations	Yes	No	Unknown	None official	EU candidate; homologation based on UN regs; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules very weak treaties.un.org
MoroccoNorthern Africa	Own national rules	No	No	Euro 6b	2040 pledge (ZEV Declaration)	Euro 6b for new approvals from 2023, all sales 2024 (Arrêté 2251.21); 10 ppm fuel challenge.ma
MozambiqueEastern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
MyanmarSouth-eastern Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	Unknown	Import market; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules very weak developmentaid.org
NamibiaSouthern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used-import age limit 6-8 yrs; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
NauruMicronesia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Small import market; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules very weak developmentaid.org
NepalSouthern Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	Unknown	Import market; used-vehicle imports banned (UNEP 2021) developmentaid.org
NetherlandsWestern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	Yes	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
New ZealandAustralia and New Zealand	Relies on others	Yes	Yes	Unknown	2040 (COP26 pledge)	No own type approval; accepts UN, Japan, US, Australia standards; Clean Vehicle Standard CO2 acceleratingtozero.org
NicaraguaCentral America	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used imports allowed, 9+ yr age band; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
NigerWestern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Left ECOWAS Jan 2025, so its Euro 4/IV directive lapses; no age limit (UNEP 2020) roadsafetyfund.un.org
NigeriaWestern Africa	Relies on others	Yes	Yes	Euro 4	2040 pledge (ZEV Declaration)	1958+1998 CP since 2018, no type approval yet; ECOWAS Euro 4/IV; age band 9+ yrs treaties.un.org
North KoreaEastern Asia	Own national rules	No	No	Unknown	None official	Closed system; UN sanctions bar vehicle supplies (UNSCR 2397); no public standards treaties.un.org
North MacedoniaSouthern Europe	UN Regulations	Yes	No	Unknown	None official	EU candidate; homologation based on UN regs; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules weak treaties.un.org
NorwayNorthern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	Yes	Euro 6e-bis	2025 (national goal, 100% ZEV)	EEA: applies EU type approval; EVs were 88% of new car sales in 2024 regjeringen.no
OmanWestern Asia	Gulf GSO	No	No	Unknown	Unknown	GSO technical regulations; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules very weak developmentaid.org
PakistanSouthern Asia	Own national rules	Yes	No	Unknown	2040 (90% of new sales EV)	Local assembly under own rules; 1958 CP since 2020; UNEP: very good used-import rules en.wikipedia.org
PalauMicronesia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Small import market; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules very weak developmentaid.org
PanamaCentral America	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used imports with no age limit; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
Papua New GuineaMelanesia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Import market; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules good developmentaid.org
ParaguaySouth America	Relies on others	No	No	None	2040 pledge (ZEV Declaration)	Used imports allowed, 9+ yr age band, ~70% of imports used; no emission standard (UNEP) nrso.ntua.gr
PeruSouth America	Own national rules	No	No	Euro 6b / Tier 3	None official	Euro 4 from 2018; Euro 6b/Tier 3 Bin 125 listed from Apr 2026, tied to 10 ppm fuel dieselnet.com
PhilippinesSouth-eastern Asia	Own national rules	Yes	No	Euro 4	Unknown	Own national standards; 1958 CP since 2022; used-vehicle imports banned (UNEP) en.wikipedia.org
PolandEastern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	No	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
PortugalSouthern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	No	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
QatarWestern Asia	Gulf GSO	No	No	Unknown	Unknown	GSO technical regulations; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules good developmentaid.org
Republic of the CongoMiddle Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
RomaniaEastern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	Yes	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
RussiaEastern Europe	EAEU regulation	Yes	Yes	Euro 5	None official	EAEU TR CU 018/2011, class 5 since 2016; post-2022 waivers for local output not checked dieselnet.com
RwandaEastern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 4	2040 pledge (ZEV Declaration)	Euro 4/IV adopted 2019 and being implemented; EAC EAS 1047:2022 roadsafetyfund.un.org
Saint Kitts and NevisCaribbean	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
Saint LuciaCaribbean	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesCaribbean	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
SamoaPolynesia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Import market; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules weak developmentaid.org
San MarinoSouthern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	Yes	Euro 6e-bis	None official	No own approval scheme; registers EU/Italian-approved vehicles; 1958 and 1998 CP treaties.un.org
Sao Tome and PrincipeMiddle Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
Saudi ArabiaWestern Asia	Gulf GSO	No	No	Unknown	None official	GSO technical regulations applied by SASO; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules good developmentaid.org
SenegalWestern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 4	None official	ECOWAS Euro 4/IV directive from 2021; used-import age limit 6-8 yrs (UNEP 2020) roadsafetyfund.un.org
SerbiaSouthern Europe	UN Regulations	Yes	No	Unknown	None official	EU candidate; homologation based on UN regs; car plant in Kragujevac; UNEP: weak import rules treaties.un.org
SeychellesEastern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Used-vehicle imports banned (UNEP 2020); new-car standard not confirmed nrso.ntua.gr
Sierra LeoneWestern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 4	None official	ECOWAS Euro 4/IV directive from 2021, uptake unconfirmed; no age limit (UNEP 2020) roadsafetyfund.un.org
SingaporeSouth-eastern Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 6	2030 (new cars cleaner-energy), 2040	LTA approval; Euro 6 or Japan 2009 limits accepted; no car industry; COE quota dieselnet.com
SlovakiaEastern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	Yes	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
SloveniaSouthern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	Yes	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
Solomon IslandsMelanesia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Small import market; not covered by UNEP used-vehicle survey treaties.un.org
SomaliaEastern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	EAC member since 2024; no age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
South AfricaSouthern Africa	UN Regulations	Yes	Yes	Euro 2	None official	1958+1998 CP since 2001; NRCS approval to UN-based specs; used imports banned roadsafetyfund.un.org
South KoreaEastern Asia	Own national rules	Yes	Yes	LEV III-equiv / Euro 6	Unknown	KMVSS self-certification; petrol cars LEV III-equivalent since 2016, diesel cars Euro 6 with RDE dieselnet.com
South SudanEastern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 4	None official	EAC Euro 4/IV standard EAS 1047:2022, uptake unconfirmed; no age limit (UNEP 2020) mptf.undp.org
SpainSouthern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	Yes	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
Sri LankaSouthern Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Import market; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules very good developmentaid.org
SudanNorthern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Used-vehicle imports banned (UNEP 2020); new-car standard not confirmed nrso.ntua.gr
SurinameSouth America	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used imports with no age limit; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
SwedenNorthern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	Yes	Euro 6e-bis	EU rule	EU WVTA (Reg 2018/858); Euro 7 for new car types from 29 Nov 2026 theicct.org
SwitzerlandWestern Europe	EU type approval	Yes	No	Euro 6e-bis	None official	Not EU/EEA but harmonised with EU vehicle rules; 1958 CP, not 1998 dieselnet.com
SyriaWestern Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Conflict-affected import market; not covered by UNEP used-vehicle survey treaties.un.org
TaiwanEastern Asia	Own national rules	No	No	Unknown	2040 (all new cars electric)	Own safety and emission rules; outside UN agreements; zev from 2050 net-zero pathway en.wikipedia.org
TajikistanCentral Asia	Relies on others	No	Yes	Unknown	None official	1998 CP since 2011, not 1958; mostly used imports; UNEP 2021: good import rules treaties.un.org
TanzaniaEastern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 4	None official	EAC Euro 4/IV standard EAS 1047:2022; no age limit (UNEP 2020); 97% of registrations used mptf.undp.org
ThailandSouth-eastern Asia	Own national rules	Yes	No	Euro 6 petrol / Euro 5 diesel	Unknown	Mandatory TIS standards based on EU and UN rules; 1958 CP since 2006 dieselnet.com
Timor-LesteSouth-eastern Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Small import market; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules good developmentaid.org
TogoWestern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	Euro 4	None official	ECOWAS Euro 4/IV directive; national standards being aligned (UNEP); no age limit mptf.undp.org
TongaPolynesia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Small import market; not covered by UNEP used-vehicle survey treaties.un.org
Trinidad and TobagoCaribbean	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	Used-import age limit 4-5 yrs, longer for diesel; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
TunisiaNorthern Africa	UN Regulations	Yes	Yes	None	None official	1958+1998 CP since 2007; used imports 4-5 yrs; no import emission standard (UNEP 2020) treaties.un.org
TurkmenistanCentral Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Closed import market; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules very weak developmentaid.org
TuvaluPolynesia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Small import market; not covered by UNEP used-vehicle survey treaties.un.org
TürkiyeWestern Asia	EU type approval	Yes	Yes	Euro 6	2040 (COP26 pledge)	Adopts EU type-approval and Euro rules under EU customs union; used imports banned (UNEP) dieselnet.com
UgandaEastern Africa	Relies on others	Yes	Yes	Euro 4	None official	1958+1998 CP since 2022, no type approval yet; EAC Euro 4/IV; 15-yr import age limit treaties.un.org
UkraineEastern Europe	UN Regulations	Yes	No	Euro 6 (new cars)	2040 (COP26 pledge)	Euro 6 for new cars from 2025, trucks/buses 2027; used car imports need Euro 2 wah.ua
United Arab EmiratesWestern Asia	Gulf GSO	No	No	Unknown	Unknown	GSO/UAE technical regulations; UNEP 2021 rated used-import rules very good developmentaid.org
United KingdomNorthern Europe	UN Regulations	Yes	Yes	Euro 6 (6d)	2030 (petrol/diesel cars), 2035 (100% ZEV)	GB type approval since 2021, UN-based; NI follows EU; Euro 7 for all new LDVs from 29 Nov 2027 gov.uk
United StatesNorthern America	US standards	No	Yes	Tier 3	None official	GHG standards repealed Apr 2026; Tier 4 start delay to MY2029 proposed May 2026 epa.gov
UruguaySouth America	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	2040 pledge (ZEV Declaration)	Used-vehicle imports banned (UNEP 2020); LDV emission stage not confirmed nrso.ntua.gr
UzbekistanCentral Asia	Own national rules	Yes	Yes	Euro 4	None official	Own technical regulation, large local output (UzAuto); 1998 CP 2018, 1958 CP 2025 fiaregion1.com
VanuatuMelanesia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	Small import market; not covered by UNEP used-vehicle survey treaties.un.org
VenezuelaSouth America	Own national rules	No	No	Unknown	None official	Used-vehicle imports banned (UNEP 2020); LDV emission stage not confirmed nrso.ntua.gr
VietnamSouth-eastern Asia	Own national rules	Yes	No	Euro 5	2040 (phase-out starts), 2050 (100%)	QCVN national rules; Euro 5 since 2022; 1958 CP since 2023; Decision 876/QD-TTg transportpolicy.net
YemenWestern Asia	Relies on others	No	No	Unknown	None official	GSO member but conflict limits enforcement; mostly used imports; not ranked by UNEP treaties.un.org
ZambiaEastern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No used-import age limit or emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr
ZimbabweEastern Africa	Relies on others	No	No	None	None official	No age limit; surtax on imports over 5 yrs; no emission standard (UNEP 2020) nrso.ntua.gr

Twenty markets in detail

Each with its own timeline, where it stands today, and every event with its source.

Asia

India

India CMVR and AIS

73 events, 1989 to 2070

Next datedFuel-efficiency reporting on WLTP as well as MIDC Apr 2027

China

China GB and CCC

37 events, 2000 to 2060

Next datedMechanical door handles required on new cars Jan 2027

Japan

UN Regulations

29 events, 1995 to 2050

Next datedEV purchase subsidy ceilings cut from January 2027 Jan 2027

South Korea

Own national rules

30 events, 1998 to 2050

Next datedDraft: CO2 standards for medium and heavy trucks and buses 2027

Indonesia

Own national rules

25 events, 2005 to 2027

Next datedZero over-dimension and overloaded trucks policy Jan 2027

Thailand

Own national rules

26 events, 2006 to 2027

Next datedGPS trackers required on foreign commercial vehicles Jan 2027

Vietnam

Own national rules

26 events, 2007 to 2050

Next datedEV excise rises from 3% to 11% and registration-fee waiver ends Jan 2031

Malaysia

UN Regulations

23 events, 1994 to 2026

Americas

United States

US standards

43 events, 1990 to 2029

Next datedHeavy-duty engine NOx limit of 0.035 g/hp-hr from model year 2027 2027

Canada

US standards

26 events, 1990 to 2050

Next datedNet-zero greenhouse-gas emissions target 2050

Mexico

Own national rules

25 events, 1986 to 2026

Brazil

Own national rules

28 events, 1986 to 2027

Next datedMover carbon-footprint requirements start Jan 2027

Europe

European Union

EU type approval

43 events, 1992 to 2050

Next datedEuro 7 applies to new car and van types Nov 2026

United Kingdom

UN Regulations

25 events, 2003 to 2040

Next datedRestrictions on self-driving marketing terms take effect Jan 2027

Türkiye

EU type approval

23 events, 1995 to 2053

Next datedTarget of 75% domestic content in electric vehicles 2030

Russia

EAEU regulation

23 events, 1987 to 2060

Next datedPreferential car loan programme resumes Dec 2026

Middle East and Africa

Saudi Arabia

Gulf GSO

22 events, 2001 to 2060

Next datedNet-zero greenhouse gas emissions target 2060

United Arab Emirates

Gulf GSO

23 events, 2001 to 2030

Next datedAll Dubai taxis to be hybrid, electric or hydrogen 2027

South Africa

UN Regulations

22 events, 1995 to 2050

Next datedNet-zero carbon goal for 2050 2050

Oceania

Australia

UN Regulations

26 events, 1993 to 2027

Next datedConditional deployment of automated vehicles in select areas 2027

Every event, lane by lane

114 world events: agreements, standards, records and turning points that are not one country's.

Powertrain and batteriesTechnology

Dec 1997
Toyota Prius, first mass-produced petrol-electric hybrid, goes on sale
The first-generation Prius went on sale in Japan on 10 December 1997; overseas sales began in 2000 and Prius liftback sales passed 1 million in May 2008.
Carsen.wikipedia.org
Dec 2010
Nissan Leaf brings lithium-ion battery EVs to the mass market
Deliveries of the Nissan Leaf, with a 192-cell lithium-ion pack, began in Japan and the US in December 2010; it was the best-selling electric car worldwide in 2011-2014.
Carsen.wikipedia.org
Dec 2014
Toyota Mirai, first mass-produced fuel-cell car, goes on sale
Toyota's hydrogen fuel-cell Mirai went on sale in Japan on 15 December 2014, the first fuel-cell vehicle mass-produced and sold commercially.
Carsen.wikipedia.org
Sep 2019
Porsche Taycan brings an 800-volt electric platform to production
The production Taycan, revealed at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, runs at 800 V DC system voltage with an 800-volt charging system.
Carsen.wikipedia.org medium confidence
2023
LFP batteries supply over 40% of EV battery demand
IEA: lithium iron phosphate met over 40% of global EV battery demand by capacity in 2023 and two-thirds of EV sales in China; EV battery demand passed 750 GWh, up 40%.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesiea.org
2025
Battery prices average USD 77 per kWh in China
BloombergNEF: 2025 volume-weighted average battery prices were USD 77/kWh in China, USD 111/kWh in the US and USD 120/kWh in Europe.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesassets.bbhub.io
2025
First 1,000-volt electric car models reach the market
IEA: the first 1,000-volt models arrived in 2025 and charging times under 10 minutes were announced into 2026, but cars able to use chargers above 250 kW are under 5% of the stock.
Carsiea.org

Software, data and automationTechnology

Feb 1986
Bosch presents the CAN bus for in-vehicle data networks
In Feb 1986 Bosch presented the Controller Area Network serial bus at the SAE congress in Detroit; Mercedes-Benz has used CAN in upper-class cars since 1991, and ISO 11898 standardised it in Nov 1993.
All vehiclescan-cia.org
1996
GM launches OnStar, the first embedded telematics service
OnStar debuted in 1996 as a dealer-installed option on several 1997 Cadillac models; when airbags deploy, the built-in module calls an advisor who passes crash details to first responders.
Carsonstar.com
Mar 2004
DARPA holds its first Grand Challenge race for driverless vehicles
On 13 March 2004 no robot vehicle finished DARPA's 142-mile course (best: 7.5 miles); in 2005 five teams finished 132 miles, led by Stanford's Stanley; in 2007 six of 11 completed the Urban Challenge.
Cars, trucksdarpa.mil
2009
Google starts its self-driving car project, later Waymo
Google began its Self-Driving Car project in 2009 as an in-house experiment; in 2016 the project became Waymo, a separate Alphabet company.
Carsx.company
Oct 2012
Tesla begins over-the-air software updates for the Model S
Tesla's Model S software update programme began in Oct 2012, when a few hundred cars had been built; the first update enabled Supercharging and added driver profiles and a creep mode.
Carsgreencarreports.com
Jan 2014
SAE J3016 defines six levels of driving automation
SAE issued J3016 on 16 Jan 2014, a taxonomy of six levels from no driving automation to full automation; it has since been revised, most recently as J3016_202609 in Sept 2026.
All vehiclessaemobilus.sae.org
Mar 2016
Vienna Convention accepts systems that influence driving
From 23 March 2016 the 1968 Convention on Road Traffic deems systems that influence driving compliant if they meet UN vehicle regulations or can be overridden or switched off by the driver.
All vehicleszoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl
Sep 2016
3GPP completes the first cellular V2X standard in Release 14
In Sept 2016 3GPP completed the initial LTE vehicle-to-vehicle standard in Release 14, using direct PC5 sidelink links built for speeds up to 250 km/h and thousands of nodes; wider V2X targeted March 2017.
All vehicles3gpp.org
Jun 2019
UN forum agrees a framework for automated vehicle rules
At its 178th session (24-28 June 2019) WP.29 agreed a framework document on automated vehicles: shared guidelines and a schedule for priority rules, drafted under Japanese, US and European lead.
All vehiclesmlit.go.jp
Jun 2020
First UN regulation for Level 3 driving: automated lane keeping (R157)
In June 2020 WP.29 established UN Regulation 157 on Automated Lane Keeping Systems, the first UN rule for SAE Level 3, limited to 60 km/h; the text was published in March 2021.
Carsen.wikipedia.org
Jun 2020
UN adopts R155 cybersecurity and R156 software-update regulations
In June 2020 the UNECE World Forum WP.29 adopted UN Regulations 155 (cyber security management) and 156 (software updates), with performance and audit requirements for carmakers.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesen.wikipedia.org
Nov 2020
Japan grants Honda a Level 3 automated-driving type designation
On 11 November 2020 Japan's transport ministry (MLIT) approved Honda's Level 3 Traffic Jam Pilot on the Legend for congested expressway traffic; sales were set before end-March 2021.
Carsglobal.honda
Dec 2021
Germany approves Mercedes Drive Pilot, first Level 3 system under UN R157
On 9 December 2021 Germany's KBA approved Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT under UN-R157, for up to 60 km/h in dense traffic on 13,191 km of German motorways.
Carsgroup.mercedes-benz.com
Jun 2022
UN R157 amended to allow Level 3 driving up to 130 km/h
A June 2022 amendment to UN Regulation 157 raised the automated lane-keeping speed limit from 60 km/h to 130 km/h and added rules for automated lane changes.
Carsen.wikipedia.org
Feb 2023
ISO 24089 standard for vehicle software update engineering
ISO 24089:2023, Road vehicles - Software update engineering, published in Feb 2023, sets organisation- and project-level requirements and recommendations for engineering vehicle software updates.
All vehiclesiso.org
Sep 2024
UN Regulation 171 on driver control assistance enters into force
UN R171 took effect on 22 Sept 2024 for categories M and N: SAE Level 2 systems that help steer and control speed over sustained periods, monitor driver engagement and leave the driver responsible.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, buseseur-lex.europa.eu
Sep 2025
UN R171 update allows hands-off driver assistance on motorways
From 26 Sept 2025 the R171 01 series lets DCAS stop asking for hands on the wheel on motorways at up to 130 km/h; parties may refuse 2024-text approvals first issued after 1 Sept 2027, and all from 1 Sept 2030.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, buseseur-lex.europa.eu
Jun 2026
UN agrees the first global rules for automated driving systems
At its 23-26 June 2026 session WP.29 agreed a UN Regulation and a matching GTR for automated driving systems including Level 4: traffic rules, collision avoidance, safe stop and in-service monitoring.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesmlit.go.jp medium confidence
Jan 2027
UN Regulation 185 on automated driving systems takes effectDated ahead
Notified on 30 July 2026, UN Regulation No. 185 on automated driving systems is adopted unless over a fifth of 1958 Agreement parties object within six months, so it takes effect around January 2027.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busestreaties.un.org medium confidence

Energy and infrastructureTechnology

2002
UNEP launches the Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles
UNEP launched the public-private Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles in 2002, when almost all low- and middle-income countries still used leaded petrol.
All vehiclesnews.un.org
2017
Public EV chargers worldwide reach about 430,000
IEA counted about 430,000 publicly accessible chargers worldwide in 2017, about a quarter of them fast chargers, plus almost 3 million private chargers.
Carsiea.org
Jul 2021
Leaded petrol ends worldwide as Algeria stops sales
Service stations in Algeria stopped selling leaded petrol in July 2021, ending its use worldwide; the UN said this prevents over 1 million premature deaths a year.
All vehiclesnews.un.org
2022
Public charging points worldwide reach 2.7 million
At the end of 2022 there were 2.7 million public charging points worldwide, over 900,000 of them installed that year; China had 760,000 fast chargers.
Cars, vans and pickupsiea.org
2025
Electric vehicles displace about 1.7 million barrels of oil a day
IEA: EVs displaced about 1.7 mb/d of oil demand in 2025, about 1 mb/d of it in China; global displacement is on track to triple to around 5 mb/d in 2030.
All vehiclesiea.org
2025
Public charge points worldwide pass 7 million
IEA data: 1.8 million public charge points were added in 2025 (+33%), taking the global stock above 7 million; China holds over 65%, with 4.7 million.
Cars, vans and pickupsevinfrastructurenews.com
2026
Middle East war causes what IEA calls largest oil supply shock
IEA's Global EV Outlook 2026 says EVs offered relief during 'the largest oil supply shock in history', an energy crisis stemming from war in the Middle East.
All vehiclesiea.org medium confidence

Emissions and climateRegulation

May 1992
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change adopted
Adopted on 9 May 1992 and opened for signature at the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992, the UNFCCC entered into force on 21 March 1994; it now has 198 parties.
All vehiclesunfccc.int
Dec 1997
Kyoto Protocol adopted
The Kyoto Protocol, setting emission-reduction commitments for industrialised countries, was adopted on 11 December 1997 and entered into force on 16 February 2005.
All vehiclesunfccc.int
Dec 2015
Paris Agreement adopted: well below 2 C, pursue 1.5 C
Adopted at COP21 on 12 December 2015, in force from 4 November 2016; parties submit nationally determined contributions every five years, each more ambitious.
All vehiclesunfccc.int
Oct 2016
Kigali Amendment starts global phase-down of HFC refrigerants
Agreed in Kigali in October 2016, in force from 1 January 2019; developed countries cut HFCs, used in vehicle air-conditioning, to 15% of baseline from 2036.
All vehiclesozone.unep.org
Nov 2021
COP26 declaration on 100% zero-emission cars and vans
Signatories at COP26 (10 November 2021) committed to work towards all new car and van sales being zero emission globally by 2040 and by 2035 in leading markets.
Cars, vans and pickupsgov.uk
2022
Electric cars reach 14% of new car sales worldwide
Electric car sales exceeded 10 million in 2022, 14% of all new cars sold, up from about 9% in 2021.
Carsiea.org
2024
2024 is the first calendar year above 1.5 C of warming
IEA's World Energy Outlook 2025 notes 2024 was the hottest year on record and the first in which global temperatures exceeded 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels.
All vehiclesiea.org
2024
Electric cars pass 20% of global new car sales
Electric car sales exceeded 17 million in 2024, more than 20% of new cars sold; China sold over 11 million, almost half of its car sales.
Carsiea.org
2030
Global MOU target: 30% zero-emission truck and bus salesDated ahead
The 44 countries and territories endorsing the Global MOU on zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles aim for 30% zero-emission new truck and bus sales by 2030.
Trucks, busesglobaldrivetozero.org
2035
COP26 goal: all new cars and vans zero emission in leading marketsDated ahead
Under the COP26 declaration, signatories aim for all new car and van sales to be zero emission by no later than 2035 in leading markets (non-binding).
Cars, vans and pickupsgov.uk
2036
Kigali Amendment: developed countries cut HFCs to 15% of baselineDated ahead
Under the Kigali Amendment, developed (non-Article 5) countries must cut HFC consumption and production to 15% of their baseline from 2036; developing countries follow a later schedule.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesozone.unep.org
2040
COP26 goal: all new cars and vans zero emission worldwideDated ahead
The COP26 declaration's global goal is for all sales of new cars and vans to be zero emission by 2040 (non-binding).
Cars, vans and pickupsgov.uk
2040
Global MOU target: 100% zero-emission truck and bus salesDated ahead
Countries endorsing the Global MOU aim to enable 100% zero-emission new truck and bus sales by 2040, supporting net-zero emissions by 2050.
Trucks, busesglobaldrivetozero.org

Vehicle safetyRegulation

May 2011
UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 launched
Proclaimed by UN General Assembly resolution 64/255 in March 2010, the decade was launched on 11 May 2011 in over 100 countries to stabilise and then reduce road deaths.
All vehiclesen.wikipedia.org
Nov 2012
UN R131 brings automatic emergency braking to trucks and coaches
UN Regulation 131 on advanced emergency braking for heavy trucks and coaches was adopted in November 2012 and became mandatory for new trucks and coaches in the EU from 2013.
Trucks, busesunece.org
Feb 2019
UN R152 extends automatic emergency braking to cars
UN Regulation 152, adopted in February 2019, extended advanced emergency braking requirements to cars; the EU made it compulsory from July 2022.
Carsunece.org
2020
UN proclaims a second road-safety decade, 2021-2030
UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/74/299 (2020) proclaimed the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030; WHO and the UN regional commissions issued its Global Plan on 20 October 2021.
All vehicleswho.int
2030
UN target: halve road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030Dated ahead
The decade aims for at least a 50% cut by 2030. WHO puts road deaths at about 1.16 million a year, 92% in low- and middle-income countries, over half pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists.
All vehicleswho.int

End of life and recyclingRegulation

Mar 1989
Basel Convention on hazardous waste movements adopted
Adopted in Basel on 22 March 1989 and in force since 1992, the convention controls cross-border movements and disposal of hazardous and other wastes, including certain electronic wastes.
All vehiclesbasel.int
1999
Carmakers set up IMDS to track vehicle materials for recycling
Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, Opel, Porsche, VW and Volvo, with EDS, created the International Material Data System in 1999 to collect part material data in support of EU end-of-life vehicle rules.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesen.wikipedia.org
Aug 2018
ISO 14067 sets rules for product carbon footprints
ISO 14067:2018 gives requirements and guidelines for quantifying the carbon footprint of products; confirmed in 2024, it is now listed for revision.
All vehiclesiso.org
2023
First battery passport proof-of-concept launched
The Global Battery Alliance's first pilot round in 2023 launched the world's first battery passport proof-of-concept; a 2024 round covered 80% of EV battery market share.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesglobalbattery.org
2025
China holds two-thirds of new battery recycling capacity since 2020
IEA's Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2025 finds that two-thirds of global battery recycling capacity growth since 2020 has been in China.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesiea.org
2026
Battery passport trials run with 17 consortia; launch aimed for 2027
The Global Battery Alliance is building passport rulebooks during 2026, with 17 consortia in operational trials (results due in June) and a passport launch aimed for 2027.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesglobalbattery.org

Approval, testing and qualityCertification

Mar 1987
ISO 9000 quality-management series first published
ISO first published the ISO 9000 family of quality-management standards in March 1987; revised editions followed in 1994, 2000, 2008 and 2015.
All vehiclesen.wikipedia.org
1993
ANCAP starts crash-test ratings for Australia and New Zealand
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program was founded in 1993 and has published crash-test results since that year.
Carsen.wikipedia.org medium confidence
1995
Japan's JNCAP starts frontal crash and braking assessments
NASVA's JNCAP history lists 1995 as the start of its collision-safety evaluation (full-frontal crash test) and of braking-performance tests.
Carsnasva.go.jp
Oct 1995
UN 1958 type-approval agreement opened to non-European countries
Revision 2 of the 1958 Agreement on UN vehicle regulations and mutual recognition of approvals (amended 16 October 1995) let countries outside the UNECE region join.
All vehiclesen.wikipedia.org
Feb 1997
Euro NCAP publishes its first crash-test ratings
Euro NCAP, formed in 1996, released its first consumer crash-test results in February 1997.
Carsen.wikipedia.org
Apr 1999
ISO/TS 16949:1999 published for automotive suppliers
ISO published ISO/TS 16949:1999, particular requirements for applying ISO 9001:1994 at automotive suppliers, in April 1999 (first edition).
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesiso.org
1999
Korea's KNCAP begins new-car safety ratings
The Korean New Car Assessment Program (KNCAP) began rating new cars sold in Korea in 1999.
Carsen.wikipedia.org medium confidence
2002
ISO/TS 16949:2002 second edition published
ISO/TS 16949:2002 replaced the 1999 first edition of the automotive quality-system specification and was itself replaced by the 2009 edition.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesiso.org medium confidence
2006
China launches C-NCAP crash-test ratings
China's New Car Assessment Program began in 2006; it marked its 20th anniversary at an event in Tianjin in April 2026.
Carsc-ncap.org.cn medium confidence
Jun 2009
ISO/TS 16949:2009 third edition applies ISO 9001:2008
ISO/TS 16949:2009 set quality requirements for automotive production and service-part organisations based on ISO 9001:2008; ISO withdrew it on 1 December 2016.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesiso.org
2010
Latin NCAP begins crash testing for Latin America
Latin NCAP began as an initiative in 2010 and was constituted as a legal association in 2014.
Carslatinncap.com
May 2011
Global NCAP set up to spread crash testing to emerging markets
Global NCAP is a UK-registered charity (no. 1141798), registered on 9 May 2011; Towards Zero Foundation is one of its former names.
Carsregister-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk
Nov 2011
ISO 26262 functional-safety standard first published
ISO 26262:2011 set functional-safety requirements for electrical and electronic systems in series-production passenger cars up to 3,500 kg.
Carsiso.org
Dec 2011
ASEAN NCAP set up by Malaysia's MIROS and Global NCAP
ASEAN NCAP was formed after MIROS and Global NCAP signed a memorandum in New Delhi on 7 December 2011; its first results followed in January 2013.
Carsen.wikipedia.org
2014
WLTP test procedure confirmed as a UN global technical regulation
After the GRPE expert group adopted the first WLTP text in 2013, WP.29 confirmed it in 2014 as UN GTR No. 15 for light-vehicle emissions and fuel use.
Cars, vans and pickupstransportpolicy.net medium confidence
Oct 2016
IATF 16949:2016 replaces ISO/TS 16949
The International Automotive Task Force's IATF 16949:2016 replaced ISO/TS 16949 in October 2016 as the automotive quality-management standard.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesen.wikipedia.org
Oct 2018
ISO 25119 second edition sets functional safety for tractors
ISO 25119-1:2018 sets design principles for safety-related electronic control systems on agricultural and forestry tractors and machinery; ISO confirmed it in 2024.
Tractors and machineryiso.org
Dec 2018
ISO 26262 second edition covers all road vehicles except mopeds
ISO 26262:2018 (edition 2) applies to safety-related E/E systems in all series-production road vehicles excluding mopeds, widening the 2011 car-only scope.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, buses, two- and three-wheelersiso.org
Aug 2021
ISO/SAE 21434 road-vehicle cybersecurity standard published
ISO and SAE published ISO/SAE 21434:2021, the first edition of their joint standard on cybersecurity engineering for road vehicles, in August 2021.
All vehiclesiso.org
Oct 2023
Bharat NCAP starts India's own crash-test ratings
India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways started Bharat NCAP in October 2023, based on the protocols of Global NCAP's Safer Cars for India project.
Carsen.wikipedia.org
Oct 2024
IATF starts revising IATF 16949:2016
IATF communique SC-2024-006 announced the revision of IATF 16949:2016; the new version is to follow publication of the revised ISO 9001.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesiatfglobaloversight.org
Mar 2026
BYD joins the IATF, followed by Chery in June 2026
The IATF, owner of IATF 16949, announced BYD as a member on 10 March 2026 and Chery as a member on 17 June 2026.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesiatfglobaloversight.org
Sep 2026
ISO 9001:2026 sixth edition of the quality standard
ISO's sixth edition of ISO 9001, replacing ISO 9001:2015, reached the final-draft (FDIS) vote with publication set for September 2026; ISO's quality committee lists it as ISO 9001:2026.
All vehiclesiso.org medium confidence
2027
IATF 16949 second edition planned for mid-2027Dated ahead
IATF communique SC-2026-005 (30 July 2026): drafting and feedback in 2026, validation in 2027, publication planned mid-2027; transition to end with the ISO 9001 transition. Dates indicative.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesiatfglobaloversight.org

Trade and marketCommercial

Jan 1995
World Trade Organization established
The WTO was established on 1 January 1995; it now has 166 members representing 98% of world trade.
All vehicleswto.org
Dec 2001
China joins the World Trade Organization
China became a member of the World Trade Organization on 11 December 2001, binding it to WTO rules on tariffs and market access.
All vehicleswto.org
2009
China becomes the world's largest vehicle producer
China surpassed the United States in 2009 as the world's largest automobile producer by volume, making 13.79 million vehicles.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesen.wikipedia.org
2017
Global electric car sales pass 1 million a year
Over 1 million electric cars were sold in 2017, a record, with more than half of sales in China; the global electric car stock passed 3 million.
Carsiea.org
2020
COVID-19 cuts global car sales 16% while EV sales rise 41%
In 2020 global car sales fell 16% but electric car registrations rose 41% to about 3 million, a 4.6% share; the electric car stock reached about 10 million.
Carsiea.org
2023
China overtakes Japan as the world's largest vehicle exporter
China passed Japan in the first half of 2023 (2.34 million vs 2.02 million vehicles exported) and ended the year as the top exporter; its exports reached 7.1 million in 2025.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesen.wikipedia.org
Oct 2024
EU imposes countervailing duties on electric cars from China
The European Commission imposed definitive countervailing duties on imports of battery electric vehicles from China for five years, while talks on price undertakings continued.
Carsec.europa.eu medium confidence
Apr 2025
US imposes 25% Section 232 tariff on imported cars, then parts
A 25% US tariff applied to imported cars from 3 April 2025 and to parts from 3 May 2025, USMCA-compliant parts exempt; deals later cut it to 15% for Japan, Korea and the EU and 10% for the UK.
Cars, vans and pickupsen.wikipedia.org
2025
Electric car sales pass 20 million; Chinese makers supply 60%
Global electric car sales rose 20% to over 20 million in 2025, about a quarter of new cars; Chinese carmakers supplied 60% and China's EV exports doubled to over 2.5 million.
Carsiea.org
2025
Electric trucks reach 9% of global truck sales
Electric truck sales more than doubled in 2025 to 9% of trucks sold worldwide; one in four trucks sold in China was electric.
Trucksiea.org
2025
Nearly half of two- and three-wheelers sold worldwide are electric
BloombergNEF: about 46% of global two- and three-wheeler sales were electric in 2025, but only a small share outside China and India.
Two- and three-wheelersassets.bbhub.io
Nov 2025
US adds 25% tariff on imported trucks and 10% on buses
From 1 November 2025 the US applied a 25% tariff on imported trucks and a 10% tariff on buses, extending its Section 232 vehicle tariffs.
Trucks, busesen.wikipedia.org
2026
Global EV sales dip 8% in early 2026 after China and US policy changes
IEA: about 3.9 million electric cars sold in Q1 2026, 8% fewer than a year earlier after policy changes in China and the US; Europe rose nearly 30%. 23 million expected in 2026.
Carsiea.org

Supply chain and materialsCommercial

2021
Chip shortage cuts 2021 vehicle output by about 7.7 million units
AlixPartners estimated in September 2021 that the chip shortage would cost carmakers USD 210 billion in revenue and 7.7 million vehicles of output in 2021, up from 3.9 million in its May forecast.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busescnbc.com
May 2022
Lithium prices reach over seven times their early-2021 level
IEA: by May 2022 lithium prices were over seven times higher than at the start of 2021, raising battery-material costs for EV makers.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesiea.org
Oct 2023
China requires export permits for graphite from December 2023
Announced 20 October 2023, the permit rule from 1 December 2023 covers high-purity synthetic and natural flake graphite; China refines over 90% of graphite, used in battery anodes.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busescsis.org
Feb 2025
DR Congo suspends cobalt exports for four months
In February 2025 the Democratic Republic of the Congo announced a four-month suspension of cobalt exports to curb falling prices.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesiea.org
Apr 2025
China puts seven rare earths and their magnets under export licensing
From 4 April 2025 exports of samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, yttrium and magnets containing them need special licences.
All vehiclescsis.org
2025
China makes over 80% of the world's battery cells
IEA: China produced over 80% of battery cells in 2025, with higher shares for key materials, and nearly three-quarters of the almost 22 million electric cars made.
Cars, vans and pickups, trucks, busesiea.org
Oct 2025
China extends rare-earth controls to foreign-made magnets
MOFCOM Announcement No. 61 (9 October 2025) requires Chinese approval to export foreign-made magnets and materials with 0.1% or more Chinese heavy rare earths or made with Chinese technology.
All vehiclescsis.org
Oct 2025
Nexperia chip export halt hits European carmakers
After the Dutch state took control of Nexperia in October 2025, China barred exports of its China-packaged chips (about 70% of its EU output), causing shortages at EU carmakers; control was suspended 19 Nov.
Cars, vans and pickupsen.wikipedia.org medium confidence
Nov 2025
Over half of strategic energy minerals now under export controls
IEA: as of November 2025 more than half of 20 energy-related strategic minerals faced some export control, after China's new controls on rare earths and battery components and technologies.
All vehiclesiea.org

Mobility and customersCommercial

1987
Swiss car-sharing cooperatives ATG and ShareCom founded
ATG (Stans) and ShareCom (Zurich) were both founded in 1987 and merged in 1997 to form Mobility, then with 17,400 customers and 760 vehicles.
Carsen.wikipedia.org
May 2010
UberCab starts a beta ride-hailing service in San Francisco
Uber, founded in March 2009 as UberCab, ran a beta in San Francisco from May 2010; it now reports over 200 million monthly users and about 42 million trips and deliveries a day.
Carsen.wikipedia.org
Jun 2012
Didi Dache taxi-hailing app founded in Beijing
Cheng Wei founded Didi Dache in Beijing in June 2012; it merged with Kuaidi in 2015 and agreed to buy Uber China on 1 August 2016.
Carsen.wikipedia.org
Jun 2012
MyTeksi, later Grab, launches ride-hailing in Malaysia
Founded as MyTeksi in Kuala Lumpur in June 2012, Grab spread across Southeast Asia and took over Uber's regional operations in March 2018.
Carsen.wikipedia.org
Apr 2016
Mobike rolls out dockless bike sharing in China
Mobike put dockless shared bikes on the street from April 2016; by 2018 it ran in over 200 cities in 19 countries and was bought by Meituan for USD 2.7 billion in April 2018.
Two- and three-wheelersen.wikipedia.org
Dec 2018
Waymo One opens app-booked self-driving rides in Phoenix
On 5 December 2018 Waymo opened its commercial self-driving ride service in Chandler, Tempe, Mesa and Gilbert, Arizona, at first with trained safety drivers aboard.
Carsmedium.com
2020
Global electric bus fleet reaches 600,000
IEA estimates the global electric bus stock reached 600,000 in 2020, alongside 31,000 electric trucks.
Busesiea.org
Oct 2020
UNEP: 14 million used light vehicles exported in 2015-2018
UNEP found 80% went to low- and middle-income countries, over half to Africa, and two-thirds of 146 countries studied had weak or very weak used-vehicle import rules.
Cars, vans and pickupsunep.org
Oct 2020
Waymo opens fully driverless rides to the public in Phoenix
In October 2020 Waymo became the first company to offer a public ride service without safety drivers, starting full commercial service in Phoenix on 8 October 2020.
Carsen.wikipedia.org
2022
Electric buses reach 4.5% of global bus sales
About 66,000 electric buses were sold worldwide in 2022, 4.5% of bus sales; over half of India's three-wheeler registrations that year were electric.
Buses, two- and three-wheelersiea.org
Mar 2026
Waymo robotaxis reach 500,000 paid rides a week
Waymo was giving about 500,000 paid rides a week by March 2026 and in 2026 opened full service in Miami, Nashville, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, San Diego and Tampa.
Carsen.wikipedia.org

How this was made

Researched from public sources opened on 1 November 2026: regulators and official journals, the UN's treaty records, the IEA, ICCT, DieselNet, TransportPolicy.net, BloombergNEF and the press; Wikipedia only where nothing better could be opened. Each event links to the page it came from.

An event dated ahead is a law, an official target or a published draft, never a forecast. Medium confidence means the month was inferred or two sources were combined. The paths after 2026 come from published outlooks; past 2050 the outlooks stop and the words are Kruvaa's. Rules change: check the source before relying on a date.

Map: Natural Earth, through world-atlas (ISC licence), in the Equal Earth projection. Small countries are drawn as dots. Borders are drawn as the map source has them and say nothing about any dispute.