The European Commission wants a line through the planned sales ban on new cars with combustion engines from 2035. It wants carmakers to reduce car emissions by 90% rather than 100% by 2035. This means that there will still be room for the sale of cars with traditional combustion engines in 2035 too.
In doing so, the European Commission is drawing a line under the earlier plan to completely restrict the sale of combustion-engined cars in the European Union (EU) from 2035. This plan faced considerable criticism, both from car manufacturers and several EU member states. Germany and Italy, among others, have long lobbied against the regulations.
'Sales ban is too strict'
Critics argue, among other things, that the rules are too strict and put car manufacturers under unnecessary financial pressure. Critics also point to fierce competition from China. In addition, they fear job losses.
The ban was part of the sustainability plans drawn up by former European commissioner Frans Timmermans, making it one of the main pillars. So even before the ban is actually implemented, a line goes through it.
90% less CO₂ emissions
So while the rules are likely to be softened, the scope for producing combustion-engine vehicles will be severely limited in that year. For instance, from 2035, new vehicles must emit 90% less CO₂ overall than in 2021. In practice, this is likely to mean that a good proportion of vehicles produced by carmakers will have to be electrically powered.
Manufacturers are also given the option to offset CO₂ emitted by their vehicles. This can be done by using EU-produced green steel, or by using cleaner fuels.
Incidentally, not all car manufacturers are in favour of watering down the rules. For instance, car companies Volvo and Polestar, both owned by Chinese Geely, wrote in a letter to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen that delaying the ban is short-sighted. The companies warn that competition from China will continue unabated, and weakening the ban could lead to less investment in battery technology and charging infrastructure, among other things. To continue encouraging the development of battery technology, the European Commission is making €1.8 billion in funding available.
Automotive Package
The toned-down plans are part of a wider 'Automotive Package' announced by the European Commission to support the European automotive industry. Among other things, this package aims to green commercial vehicles and boost the production of affordable electric vehicles.
The association of European car manufacturers ACEA is critical of the plans and thinks they do not go far enough. Among other things, ACEA argues that the plans recognise the need for flexibility and technological neutrality to make the green transition successful. At the same time, the organisation thinks the softening does not go far enough and wants the 2030 target to be relaxed as well. For example, new cars in the EU must emit 55% less CO₂ in 2030 than in 2021, while the figure for vans is 50%. ACEA points out that this deadline is already four years away, and wants these requirements to be toned down as well.
ACEA warns of counterproductive effects
In addition, ACEA warns that conditions such as the proposed emission offsetting system and 'made in the EU' requirements will have counterproductive effects on technological openness and competitiveness. The association therefore calls for a careful evaluation of these elements.
Sigrid de Vries, director general of ACEA, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, said: "Today's proposals rightly recognise the need for more flexibility and technological neutrality to make the green transition a success. This represents a significant change from the current legislation. Yet the devil is often in the details. We will now study the package and work with fellow legislators to critically strengthen the proposals where necessary."
