The European crossroads: 2035 and realistic electrification
Like the roar of the combustion engine gives way to whisper of electricityEurope is facing a dilemma. The objective requiring that all new passenger car sales will be zero emissions by 2035 (initially approved in 2023 as part of the climate and energy package) is in progress examined in Brussels.
The objective of course: Significantly reduced net emissions. But the context industrial and market has changed in recent years, and the signs are not all uniforms.
What does Brussels really offer?
THE European Commission prepare a package for relax regulations 2035allowing a a more gradual and technologically neutral transition. Specifically:
- Facilitate the inclusion of hybrid technologies or other solutions low emissions, not strictly BEV (battery electric vehicles).
- Accept the use of synthetic fuels or biofuels carbon neutral for certain segments.
- Adjust it CO₂ reduction requirements so that they are not attached only to the total removal of the thermal enginebut to equivalent emission criteria.
This tour is not a “goodbye” to the electricbut an attempt to adapt the regulations At reality of the European market and industry without abandoning climate commitments.
Internal tensions: flexibility or firmness?
Arguments in favor of flexibility
Manufacturers and state governments emphasized that:
- THE charging infrastructure It is not growing at the necessary rate in all regions.
- He cost and supply chain for BEV, press the button competitiveness against global competitors.
- Hybrids, e-fuels and blends solutions could facilitate the transition without losing sight of decarbonization.
Arguments against going backwards
On the other hand, voices are being raised within the automotive sector and in governments like the Spanish that:
- They bet because they hold on 2035 generates clear investments in electrification.
- They emphasize that the dilution of objectives generates uncertainty for manufacturers and consumers.
- They point out that many European brands are already moving forward on electric and going back would harm your global positioning.
Even manufacturers like Volvo insisted that the ban should not be overturned, stressing that it was necessary regulatory certainty to sustain investments.
Why is this debate arising now?
Although the electric vehicle sales in Europe They continue to grow, they have not yet reached expected critical mass. In addition:
- The enlargement of charging stations This situation is not uniform in all Member States.
- THE battery and raw material supply chain It is conditioned by global competitiveness.
- The industry warns that very strict rules could relocate production.
What implications does this have for the industry?
Manufacturers
- Extend hybrid models in its range.
- Adjust investments in factories and suppliers without sudden changes.
- stay certain competitiveness with competitors markets with less strict regulations.
But it could also happen imbalance in the pace of electrification between brands.
Suppliers and supply chains
THE European suppliers have been clear: a “very rigid” transition can complicate the medium term planning of investments. THE regulatory flexibility This is seen as a way to mitigate economic and logistical impacts without losing sight of climate focus.
Consumers
- Keep more purchasing options for years to come.
- Reduce it anxiety due to lack of infrastructure reload.
- Access alternatives such as OE-fuel hybrids.
But it could also delay the pace of BEV adoption if less urgency is perceived.
A balance to find
Europe is not abandoning electrification. What is happening is a pragmatic review of Regulation 2035, trying to reconcile:
- Climate objectives and industrial competitiveness.
- Market realities and infrastructure capacity.
- Technological diversity without losing focus.
The final result will depend on European legislative processwhich is still the subject of negotiations between the Commission, Parliament and Member States.
About The Author
