December 11, 2025 – A group of prominent leaders in Europe’s electric vehicle (EV) sector have urged the European Commission to uphold its 2035 target for zero-emission new cars, warning that any policy rollback could undermine investment confidence and widen the gap between Europe and China in the EV race.
The European Commission is set to unveil a new automotive policy proposal on December 16, which may relax carbon dioxide targets and water down the planned 2035 ban on internal combustion engine vehicles. This potential shift has drawn intense scrutiny from industry stakeholders, as German automakers and the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) continue to lobby for looser regulations, intensifying the ongoing policy debate.
In response, E-Mobility Europe and ChargeUp Europe, along with nearly 200 organizations including Polestar and Volvo, have sent an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The letter calls on the EU to maintain its original 2035 target and expresses growing concern over increasing efforts to weaken climate goals. It highlights that intensified lobbying from various groups has put the existing policy framework at risk of being revised.
The letter further argues that allowing transitional technologies such as plug-in hybrids or carbon-neutral fuels would create policy uncertainty, slowing Europe’s transition to electrification. Meanwhile, Chinese EV manufacturers are rapidly expanding their global lead by leveraging lower production costs, putting European automakers at a greater competitive disadvantage.
The signatories conclude by emphasizing that every delay in Europe’s EV progress will only deepen the technological and market gap with China, urging policymakers to stay committed to their climate and industrial strategy.
