Carmakers in Europe have once again raised their voices against EU plans to ban the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines from 2035. The industry describes the policy as “too strict“ and claims that Brussels is not taking into account its real concerns, reports the Financial Times.
In a document sent to the European Commission, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) - the main industry organization - states that the ban is based on “outdated premises and optimistic assumptions“.
The association urges measures to give manufacturers more flexibility. According to ACEA, the ban creates “a very rigid one-dimensional path“ to achieve zero emissions, forcing them to sell only electric vehicles.
To meet the 2035 target, electric car sales must reach 25% of the total market this year, while the actual figure for the period January-August has remained at around 16%.
Recognition of carbon-neutral fuels (e-fuels): The association wants them to be allowed to count the so-called carbon-neutral fuels as zero-emission fuels, which would make it easier to meet the 2035 targets.
Bonuses for small electric vehicles: Manufacturers want to receive additional credits for selling smaller electric cars.
Reducing fines: ACEA proposes to reduce penalties for non-compliance with targets and provide allowances for recycling old cars and reducing CO2 emissions during production.
According to S&P Global forecasts, even without changes, the share of electric vehicles in total new car sales will reach 63% in 2035, but the industry is far from convinced.
The environmental group “Transport and Environment“ However, it has reacted strongly, saying that ACEA's proposals would mean the industry would only have to achieve a 52% market share for electric cars by 2035.
Lucien Mathieu, the group's automotive industry director, warned that loosening the rules would "completely undermine the investment confidence" that Europe needs to catch up in the electric car race. Critics say that delaying the transition now will only widen the technological gap with Chinese competitors.
The ACEA calls come against a backdrop of high energy prices and falling demand for new electric cars in Europe, as well as European manufacturers struggling with cheaper Chinese products, which has led to tens of thousands of job losses in recent years.
Despite the controversy, sales of electric vehicles in the EU have increased by 30% this year compared to last, and the German government is holding a summit for the automotive industry, where the issue is likely to be raised with EU leaders.