Representatives of a broad cross-industry coalition, including Ford of Europe and Volvo Cars, have appealed to the EU to adopt legislation ensuring zero emissions for all new passenger cars and vans in Europe from 2035 and to establish mandatory targets for the expansion of vehicle charging infrastructure.
The authors of the appeal emphasize that setting an end date for the use of new fossil fuel-burning engines is necessary to ensure that by 2050 – when Europe is to achieve net-zero emissions – the last internal combustion engine passenger cars and vans will be phased out of traffic. The aforementioned vehicle manufacturers, who sold a total of approximately 800,000 cars in Europe last year, addressed EU lawmakers today in a letter signed jointly with 26 companies representing a wide range of industrial sectors.
Although 15 car brands have voluntarily declared that they will start selling only electric cars in Europe within the next decade, the signatories of the letter argue that it is up to EU decision-makers to ensure this declaration is reflected in sufficiently strict vehicle regulations. These regulations would not only give the automotive industry planning certainty but also streamline the transition to electric vehicles from the perspective of necessary infrastructure providers and customers. The letter is addressed to MEPs and member state governments currently debating new clean car regulations, including the European Commission’s proposal that from 2035, only zero-emission – and not hybrid – passenger cars and vans should be sold across the EU. The signatories express unanimous support for the European Commission’s proposal.
– As Ford in Europe, we believe that freedom of movement should go hand in hand with caring for our planet and each other. In line with this conviction, as well as the COP26 RouteZero initiative and our commitment to the Paris Agreement, our goal is to ensure zero emissions for all Ford vehicles by 2035. However, EU policymakers must also establish mandatory national targets for the development of a well-functioning electric vehicle charging infrastructure that will meet growing demand and enable European consumers and businesses to enjoy the benefits of living in a digital world – says Stuart Rowley, President of Ford Europe.
Electric vehicles, which already account for one-fifth of all cars sold across the EU, are a readily available solution to the problem of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Passenger cars and vans account for 15% of all CO2 emissions and are the largest source of nitrogen dioxide pollution, which, according to European Environment Agency estimates, causes over 40,000 premature deaths annually in Europe.
– As Volvo Cars, we plan to become a fully electric car company by 2030 and we advocate for ending the sale of fossil fuel-powered vehicles in Europe by 2035. This is not only consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement on this issue, but we also believe it is simply the right thing to do. The window of time in which we can still avoid the worst effects of global warming is closing rapidly. This is a critical moment and it is high time for the EU to confirm its leadership role in climate action. – adds Jim Rowan, CEO and President of Volvo Cars.
– We firmly support the call for member state governments and the European Parliament to guarantee zero emissions for all new passenger cars and vans in Europe starting from 2035. Our goal is to create conditions for a fossil-fuel-free society, and the electrification of the transport sector is an important element of this transformation. In the coming years, the electric car market will grow, and Vattenfall plans to contribute to achieving the EU’s ambitious goals by expanding – together with partners – one of the largest charging networks in Europe. To walk the talk and realistically reduce emissions in our operations, we also plan to electrify our own vehicle fleet by 2030. – confirms Tomas Björnsson, CEO of InCharge and Vice President of E-Mobility, Vattenfall.
It is worth mentioning that internal combustion passenger cars and vans consume about one-third of the oil imported into Europe. Moving away from fossil fuels in road transport would increase the continent’s energy security and reduce the multi-billion amounts sent abroad annually for oil payments.
The European Parliament and member state governments will present their positions on mandatory zero-emission vehicles by 2035 as early as June. It is expected that after further negotiations, the final legislation will be adopted in the autumn.