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In 2022, the European Union voted to impose a decisive vehicle emissions mandate banning the sale of all new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, including hybrids. The legislation reflected the EU’s united effort toward mass electrification and a clean energy transition.
Now, less than a decade out from its 2035 combustion engine ban, Europe is getting cold feet about its EV mandate, with Brussels voting yesterday to revise the goal.
Under the new revisions, 90% of new cars sold from 2035 must be zero-emission, as opposed to the original 100%. The remaining 10% of new cars sold after this date can be made up of petrol and diesel vehicles, as well as hybrids.
The move follows heavy lobbying from countries including Germany and Italy. Proponents argue that the revised figure will allow for greater flexibility for automakers and better reflect global market trends.
Many automakers, including Stellantis and Volkswagen, have been vocal about the need for greater flexibility, arguing that the current timeframe for the transition is unrealistic and out of touch with current market demand for electric vehicles. German automaker Volkswagen praised the European Commission’s new draft proposal, calling it “economically sound overall”.
Despite consistent growth in Europe, EV sales remain well behind the projected targets set out when the law was enshrined in 2023. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), market demand for electric vehicles is simply too low to meet the current 2035 targets and would result in “multi-billion euro” fines for manufacturers.
Opponents of the 90% figure have criticised Europe for undermining its progress towards electrification and critical clean energy goals. For many, the move represents not just an environmental setback but a commercially damaging decision that could disincentivise critical investment in EV infrastructure and production.
Chris Heron, Secretary-General of the trade association E-Mobility Europe, spoke out on the issue, saying:
“Hesitation or mixed signals risk undermining the investment certainty battery makers, manufacturers and grids need to scale.”
Automaker Volvo has criticised other OEMs for their slow approach to electrification, arguing that it has “built a complete EV portfolio in less than 10 years”. The company says it is fully prepared to go all-electric in line with the original 2035 targets, relying on hybrid vehicles only as a transitional measure.
While the current Labour government has reaffirmed its commitment to the UK’s 2035 vehicle emissions targets, it remains to be seen whether mounting pressure from automotive manufacturers will prompt a similar reassessment, or whether the UK will hold firm in the face of Europe’s ‘mixed signals’.
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