Overview

• The French National Assembly voted to reject a law aligning with the EU's 2035 ban on new gas-powered car sales, favoring a national target of 2040 instead.
• France, Germany, and Italy argue the EU's timeline for transitioning to electric vehicles is too rushed and economically challenging for automakers and consumers.
• Critics highlight the high cost of electric vehicles and insufficient charging infrastructure as major barriers to widespread adoption across Europe.
• The European Commission faces pressure to introduce flexibility in its regulations while maintaining its broader climate goals, with a review of progress scheduled for 2026.
• Global competition from China and potential trade tensions with the U.S. add further complexity to the EU's efforts to electrify its automotive industry.