The European Commission said on Wednesday it remains committed to its 2035 target requiring all new cars and vans sold in the European Union to be carbon dioxide-free, while also upholding its intermediate emissions targets for 2030.
The EU executive, however, granted automakers an extended compliance period for 2025 emissions targets, giving them three years instead of one to meet the requirements and avoid penalties.
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“We stick to the 2035 targets, which means that we stick to the 2025, 2030 and, of course, the 2035 targets,” said Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tsitsikostas while presenting the EU’s action plan to accelerate fleet electrification. He also announced that a planned review of emission regulations in 2026 would be moved forward to later this year.
Automakers have welcomed the extended timeline but say meeting the 2025 targets will still be difficult. Meanwhile, consumer advocacy groups and environmental organizations criticized the move, arguing it would reduce pressure on manufacturers to make electric vehicles more affordable.
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Transport & Environment (T&E) called the extension a major concession to the industry, warning that lawmakers should not weaken 2030 and 2035 emissions standards. E-Mobility Europe, representing EV manufacturers and charging infrastructure firms, expressed concern over the eased 2025 targets but welcomed plans to support corporate fleet electrification, battery production, and heavy vehicle charging infrastructure.
Source: Reuters