Overview
- In a letter to the European Commission, ACEA’s Ola Källenius and CLEPA’s Matthias Zink said car and van CO2 goals for 2030 and 2035 are no longer feasible despite a commitment to reach net zero by 2050.
- The Commission confirmed a Strategic Dialogue with automotive executives on September 12 to discuss the sector’s path forward.
- The associations cited near-total reliance on Asian batteries, patchy charging infrastructure, higher manufacturing costs and U.S. tariffs as key obstacles to meeting current rules.
- They urged a technology‑neutral approach that keeps room for plug‑in hybrids, range extenders, highly efficient combustion engines, hydrogen and decarbonised fuels, and they asked for a review of heavy‑duty CO2 regulation.
- They pressed for expanded purchase incentives, less red tape and investment in battery, semiconductor and critical mineral supply chains, noting EVs are about 15% of EU car sales and 9% for vans after a prior three‑year averaging reprieve on fines.