Automotive Electronic Companies Advocate Against EU's Potential Alteration of 2035 Carbon Emission Goals
The European Federation for Transport and Environment (T&E) has published a statement signed by 50 prominent companies, including Iberdrola, Tesco, Ingka (the largest Ikea franchise), Volvo Car, Uber, Ayvens, Polestar, Rivian, and many others. These companies are urging the European Union not to reopen its zero emissions target for cars and vans by 2035.
The 2035 target provides a clear direction for companies and stakeholders, offering investment certainty about the future of the automotive industry in Europe. By setting this goal, the EU has given a democratic mandate to reduce emissions from cars and vans, which currently represent over one-eighth (13%) of total greenhouse gas emissions in the EU.
Modifying the 2035 target would destabilize the framework upon which companies have planned their investments, according to the signatories. Instead, they advocate for the implementation of what has already been agreed upon, including specific industrial policy, investment support for a sustainable local battery value chain, the rollout of charging infrastructure, clean electricity supply, greening corporate fleets, and retraining workers for the electrification of the economy.
Isabell BuΜschel, T&E Director in Spain, comments that efforts should focus on supporting the transition with a roadmap for boosting electric vehicles in Spain, focused on accelerating charging infrastructure and fostering demand through a more agile electrification of fleets.
The signatories, including electric vehicle manufacturers Polestar and Rivian, have made significant investments to make the EU's climate neutrality target a reality. Many of the companies joining the statement, such as Zunder, Wallbox, and Circontrol from Spain, are also heavily invested in the transition to a greener economy.
The zero emissions target for cars and vans by 2035 received a democratic mandate from EU governments and MEPs in March 2023. The companies urge policymakers not to reopen the recently approved CO2 standards for cars and vans for 2026.
The signatories, including the British retailer Tesco and the largest Ikea franchise, Ingka, have a firm commitment to the EU's climate neutrality target for 2050. They believe that maintaining the 2035 target is not only feasible but also necessary for a sustainable future.
