The European automotive industry has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality goals and accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles. However, manufacturers are finding it increasingly challenging to meet CO2 reduction targets as the 2025 deadline approaches, particularly due to waning demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and a deteriorating economic climate.
Ahead of the Competitiveness Council meeting, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) is calling on EU member states to set aside their differences and prioritize a critical measure that will ease the burden on manufacturers: lowering the compliance costs for reaching 2025 targets.
Sigrid de Vries, the Director General of ACEA, emphasized that manufacturers are currently carrying the burden of the change, hindered by uncontrolled problems such inadequate infrastructure for charging and buying incentives. “It is encouraging to see EU member states discussing viable options to relieve the immediate compliance pressure, such as introducing multi-year compliance periods or allowing the banking and borrowing of CO2 credits across years,” she said.
De Vries underlined the importance of reducing compliance costs by 2025 while maintaining the green transportation transition on track. The EU auto industry’s resilience and long-term ability to handle the continuous green transition depend on such measures, according to the ACEA.
