The electric cars continue to fall in Europe, with August seeing them suffer a 44% drop compared to the same month in 2023. A prolonged crisis that risks weighing on Car Manufacturers’ Accountswhich from 2025 will have to deal with the new CO2 emission limits for the ranges.
This is precisely the theme at the centre of the open letter from Acea (the association of European car manufacturers) has written to the European Union, asking to postpone this date to avoid further hitting the coffers of the various brands.
It’s not about technology
The European automotive industry supports the Paris Agreement and the EU’s 2050 transport decarbonisation targets and has invested billions in electrification to bring vehicles to market. Today, their technology and availability are not bottlenecks. We are doing our part in this transition but, unfortunately, the other elements needed for this systemic change are not in place. An aggravating factor is the rapid erosion of EU competitiveness, as confirmed in the Draghi report.
This is how the press release from Acea begins, which therefore calls into question first and foremost the Chinese competition – at the heart of the debate on tariffs – together with the problem of infrastructure and support from Europe
Crucial conditions are missing to achieve the necessary boost in the production and adoption of zero-emission vehicles: hydrogen charging and refueling infrastructure, as well as a competitive manufacturing environment, affordable green energy, tax and purchasing incentives, and a secure supply of raw materials, hydrogen and batteries.
Precisely in the light of a not a favorable situation at all The Association asks the European Commission to postpone the deadlines to 2027 new limits on CO2 emissionswhich from January 1st will drop to 95 g/km (it is now 116), with the risk of billion-dollar fines: one euro for each g/km in excess, to be multiplied by the cars sold. A request defined as surreal by Carlos Tavares, who underlined that this step had been on the agenda for some time.
We stand ready to discuss a package of short-term support measures for the 2025 CO2 targets for cars and vans, as well as a rapid, comprehensive and robust review of the CO2 regulations for both cars and trucks, as well as targeted secondary legislation, to decisively start the transition towards zero emissions and secure Europe’s industrial future.
The letter from Acea concludes.
Source: it.motor1.com
