EU’s 2035 Electric Vehicle Mandate Faces Growing Resistance

Brussels – A cornerstone of the European Union’s climate policy, the 2035 deadline for phasing out sales of new gasoline and diesel cars, is facing a concerted pushback from several member states and a growing chorus of voices within the automotive industry. What was once considered a settled matter is now the subject of intense debate, raising questions about the future of transportation in Europe.

A Coalition of Concerns

Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Italy, Poland, and Slovakia have united to call for a revision of the 2035 target, advocating for the continued sale of hybrid vehicles alongside fully electric models. These nations argue that a complete shift to electric vehicles by 2035 is premature, citing concerns about affordability, infrastructure limitations, and the readiness of their respective automotive industries.

The Czech Republic, a major automotive manufacturing hub – particularly for Skoda – has been vocal in its opposition. The industry is a significant employer and economic driver, and officials fear a rapid transition could jeopardize jobs and competitiveness.

Industry Leaders Sound the Alarm

The concerns aren’t limited to governments. Leading figures in the European automotive sector have also expressed doubts about the feasibility of the 2035 deadline. In a recent letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius and Schaeffler AG CEO Matthias Zink warned that achieving the stringent CO2 emission targets is “simply no longer possible in today’s world.”

Key challenges cited include the high cost of battery production, reliance on Asian suppliers for battery components – a vulnerability highlighted by recent geopolitical tensions – and a slower-than-expected rollout of charging infrastructure across the continent. Currently, electric vehicles account for roughly 15% of new car sales in the EU, with electric vans making up 9%.

The Shadow of China

Adding to the anxieties is the growing competitiveness of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. European automakers fear being outpaced by Chinese companies, which are rapidly expanding their production capacity and offering vehicles at competitive prices. The prospect of a flood of cheaper Chinese EVs into the European market is a significant concern for policymakers and industry leaders alike.

The debate over the 2035 target comes at a critical juncture for the European automotive industry, which is undergoing a massive transformation. The outcome of this debate will have far-reaching consequences for the future of mobility in Europe and the continent’s efforts to combat climate change.

The EU is expected to revisit the legislation in the coming weeks, setting the stage for a potentially contentious showdown between member states, industry, and environmental advocates.