The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has sounded the alarm on the outcome of yesterday’s (10 September) European Parliament vote on future CO2 targets for cars and vans.

European lawmakers agreed to boost CO2 reduction targets for cars and vans, despite opposition from Europe’s automakers. The European Parliament’s Environment Committee backed a 45% cut in CO2 emissions compared to 2021 levels by 2030, much more than the 30% reduction proposed by the European Commission. The auto industry is seeking a much lower 20% improvement over the period.

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MEPs also supported a midway 20% CO2 reduction target by 2025, while the Commission wanted a 15% reduction.

“We are very concerned by the direction taken by the Environment Committee,” said ACEA Secretary General, Erik Jonnaert. “The extremely stringent reduction levels adopted are totally unrealistic, as they would require a massive and sudden shift to electromobility. The framework conditions for such a seismic shift are clearly not in place, and consumers are just not ready to go fully electric at this stage.”

Jonnaert added: “Let me be clear: we are fully committed to moving towards zero-emissions mobility. But this transition must be made at a pace that is manageable. This is vital not only for our industry and its workers, but also for consumers – who are meant to actually buy these vehicles – and for member states, who will have a huge job to ensure that the network of recharging infrastructure is sufficient.”

ACEA said the position adopted by the Environment Committee is not representative of the whole European Parliament. It contrasts quite strongly with the positions of the other committees involved (ITRE and TRAN), ACEA maintains.

“We hope that the European Parliament will take the opportunity to re-examine this proposal to align it more with reality. We await the plenary vote next month to see what course the Parliament as a whole will take for the trialogue negotiations,” said Mr Jonnaert.

See also: ACEA criticises EU’s 2025 CO2 targets

ACEA says EU CO2 proposals for trucks ‘too aggressive’

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