Two prominent European electric transport groups, E-Mobility Europe and ChargeUp Europe, called on the European Union to reject automakers’ requests to weaken 2025 CO2 car emission targets and related fines, according to Reuters.
In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the groups urged the EU to uphold its commitment to reducing emissions and accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
The letter emphasised that the EU should not accept proposals to delay the implementation of emission targets or base fines on a multi-year average. Instead, it suggested that any fines collected should be used to subsidise the bloc’s transition to electric transport.
European carmakers, facing intense competition from Chinese rivals and potential US tariffs, are lobbying for relief from fines they claim could total €15 billion ($15.7 billion) if their fleets fail to meet 2025 CO2 emission limits. They argue that a lack of consumer demand, partly due to concerns about inadequate charging infrastructure, is hindering their ability to comply with the targets.
However, the electric transport groups countered the argument, stating that any relaxation of the 2025 CO2 limits would further disadvantage Europe in the global EV market and discourage investment in critical areas such as charging infrastructure, battery development, and manufacturing.
Charging infrastructure concerns debunked
Aurélien de Meaux, CEO of charging company Electra, dismissed automakers’ claims of insufficient charging infrastructure as a “false narrative.” He noted that existing EU charging stations could accommodate five to seven times more vehicles without reaching capacity and highlighted the billions of euros being invested in expanding the charging network.
It would be a disaster to backpedal on policy.
The letter from E-Mobility Europe and ChargeUp Europe pointed to evidence that the 2025 CO2 targets are achievable. It highlighted the launch of 11 new EV models priced under €25,000 and a 40% year-on-year increase in EV sales in January 2025.
De Meaux also challenged the €15 billion fine estimate, calling it inaccurate. He suggested that fines could amount to €4-6 billion, with the potential to halve this figure through trading emission credits with other companies.
The European Commission is set to present its auto sector plans on March 5, and the electric transport groups’ letter underscores the high stakes of the decision. Maintaining strict CO2 emission rules is seen as crucial for Europe to remain competitive in the global EV market and achieve its climate objectives.
