Renault CEO Luca de Meo believes that a full transition to electric cars by 2035 is not possible, so he is asking for more flexibility from the European Union.
We know very well that, starting from 2035, the European Union will ban the sale of new cars equipped with thermal engines, the alternative being electric or hydrogen-powered ones.
Luca De Meo has cast doubt on the timing of the transition to electric vehicles in Europe, adding that the automaker needs to cut costs if it wants to achieve its electric vehicle goals, he says Reuters.
The transition to electric vehicles plays a crucial role in reducing global carbon emissions, and the pace at which this shift occurs will reshape the automotive industry and the environment.
In the context of the recent European Parliament elections, which came at a time of weak demand for electric vehicles, there have been growing calls to lift the EU’s 2035 ban on sales of diesel and petrol cars, which is set to be revised in 2026.
Renault CEO wants more flexibility for manufacturers
“We need a little more flexibility in the schedule,” said Luca de Meo. “However, it would be a serious strategic error to abandon the objective due to the current market slowdown,” he added.
Asked about Renault’s ambitions to shift 100% of European car production to electric vehicles in the context of a weak domestic market, De Meo said: “The truth is that we are not yet on the right trajectory to achieve a 100% electric range by 2035 . This is the truth. If customers don’t follow us, we’re all responsible. We have to cut costs.”
Global electric vehicle sales rise 35% in 2023, but fall in 2024. However, in June, new car sales in the European Union rose 4.3%, while registrations of battery electric cars have decreased marginally.
Source: www.promotor.ro
