ACEA: EU targets for 2030/2035 are not achievable
Lack of external support for the automotive industry one of the main 'culprits'
The European Union's targets for reducing CO2 emissions from cars and vans by 2030 and 2035 are neither achievable nor realistic, with the risk that they will be beyond the reach of the industry. This was emphatically stated by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), asking Brussels for a smarter and more flexible regulatory approach to the ecological transition. According to ACEA, the current pace of growth in the electric vehicle market is dramatically insufficient.
The association points out that the market share is less than 16 per cent for cars and 9 per cent for vans, which are far from the numbers needed to reach the intermediate targets for 2030. The reasons for not reaching the targets are mainly related to external industry support.
Due to a missing ecosystem, i.e. the spread of charging infrastructure, incentives and consumer demand, car manufacturers cannot keep up with the pace. The exclusive focus on 100% electric cars only jeopardises Europe's strategic autonomy and industrial competitiveness by increasing dependence on Asian battery value chains.
Furthermore, the light commercial vehicle segment faces unique challenges, including high operating costs and, with electric, reduced load capacity, requiring a distinct regulatory approach. ACEA does not dispute the final 2050 climate neutrality target, but calls for policy to recognise 'market realities' and adopt a pathway that supports a competitive, consumer-led transition
