Policymakers have been urged to ensure that only electric vehicles are sold from 2035. The call was made in a new joint letter from Eurelectric together with consumer and environmental organisations.
They urged legislators to phase out new internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid cars and vans no later than 2035.
Cutting CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicles by 100% by 2035 would lead to an-almost 15% reduction in Europe’s overall CO2 emissions. Moreover, switching to electric vehicles would tackle toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution, predominantly caused by ICE cars and vans. NO2 pollution contributes to the deaths of over 40,000 Europeans every year.
With an ENVI Committee vote scheduled for tomorrow, the letter reminded policymakers of the importance of the 2035 deadline.
It highlighted that because new vehicles routinely remain on EU roads for 15 years or longer, ICE sales must end by 2035 to comply with climate targets. To that end, the letter suggested putting the automotive industry on a CO2 reductions path until 2035, with interim targets.
Ambitious trajectory
Such an ambitious trajectory – with CO2 targets in 2025, 2027, 2030 and 2035 – will accelerate climate and air quality benefits. It will also increase the supply of affordable electric vehicles, making zero-emission mobility a reality for many companies and citizens.
In addition, these targets would satisfy certainty for the European automotive industry, safeguarding jobs and EU competitiveness.
The letter also underlined another important measure to help deliver earlier and more ambitious targets towards zero emissions. The electrification of corporate cars, which represent 60% of annual new car sales in Europe, can also contribute to a fully electric road transport sector.
The letter was co-signed by Eurelectric, AVERE, BEUC, EPHA, EUROCITIES, EV100, Polis Network and T&E.
Monique Goyens, Director General of BEUC, will be one of the speakers at the upcoming Power Summit. See the full list here.
