Good steps in EU automotive plan undermined by diluting of CO2 targets

Today, the European Commission published its action plan for the automotive sector. The plan contains some good initiatives to ease consumer access to electric cars but diluting CO2 targets will make them less affordable and less accessible.

This is the main conclusion of the Commission’s recent Automotive Strategic Dialogue, of which BEUC is a member. After confirming earlier this week that manufacturers would have flexibility in meeting CO2 targets - which is deeply regrettable, given record-breaking sales of European-made electric cars in January - the Commission today confirmed that:

• EU countries will be encouraged to offer social leasing schemes to increase affordability of electric cars for more vulnerable consumers
• It will legislate to electrify corporate fleets. This is key to ensure a steady stream of cars onto the second-hand market
• Charging infrastructure will be further rolled out and pricing should become more transparent

BEUC Director General Agustín Reyna said: “The Commission today announced some welcome steps that will make it easier, in theory, for consumers to access electric cars. But at the same time, giving car manufacturers flexibility in meeting the 2025 CO2 targets sends really the wrong signal to consumers. Electric cars are already rolling off the production lines in increasing numbers. This will simply disincentivise car makers from providing new, more affordable models until later in the decade. Consumers’ choice will be reduced to only more expensive options. To maintain momentum, the Commission now needs to hold firm and ensure the 2030 and 2035 targets are maintained.”