European EV Industry Urges Brussels to Uphold 2035 Zero-Emission Car Target
Leaders from Europe’s electric vehicle sector have called on the European Commission to stand firm on its 2035 zero-emission target for new cars, warning that any weakening of the policy would threaten billions in investment and widen the competitiveness gap with China.
Industry Pushback Against Possible Policy Reversal
The appeal comes ahead of the Commission’s December 16 automotive package, which could introduce more flexibility in CO₂ targets and ease the planned phase-out of new combustion-engine car sales from 2035. The potential revision—supported by some German automakers and the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA)—has stirred intense debate across the industry.
In an open letter addressed to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, advocacy groups E-Mobility Europe and ChargeUp Europe, backed by nearly 200 signatories including Swedish carmakers Polestar and Volvo Cars, urged the EU to maintain its climate commitments.
“We are deeply concerned about recent efforts to dilute your objectives,” the letter said, citing mounting pressure from segments of the auto industry to slow the transition.
The signatories warned that reopening the path for transitional technologies such as plug-in hybrids or CO₂-neutral fuels would create regulatory uncertainty and slow Europe’s electric transformation. They argued that such a shift would further disadvantage European manufacturers against Chinese competitors, who are rapidly scaling production and cutting costs.
“Every delay in Europe only widens the gap with China,” the groups added.
Growing Pressure Ahead of Key Policy Announcement
The Commission’s upcoming automotive package has attracted a flood of lobbying from both environmental campaigners and traditional carmakers. Automakers in Germany and Italy have voiced concern over the 2035 deadline, arguing that the industry needs more time to adapt and safeguard jobs. Meanwhile, EV manufacturers and clean transport groups warn that policy backtracking would undermine Europe’s climate goals and industrial credibility.
The 2035 target—part of the EU’s broader Green Deal—aims to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century. It effectively bans the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, pushing the industry towards battery-powered and hydrogen-based alternatives.
Analysts say the EU now faces a critical test: whether to maintain its leadership in green mobility or risk ceding ground to China, whose electric vehicle exports and supply chains continue to expand at record pace.
with inputs from Reuters
