Take Charge Europe: Why 150 Companies Back 2035 EU EV Target
In 2014, EU countries agreed on a 40% emissions reduction which, in 2023, was further increased to 55% by 2030.
The European Environment Agency also states that new car CO₂ emissions must be 55% lower and new van emissions 50% lower, compared to 2021 levels.
The European Union is in the process of a comprehensive review of its CO₂ for vehicles, the law that steers the phase-out of new polluting car sales by 2035.
Currently, more than 150 European business leaders and companies have issued a call for the European Commission to maintain its 2035 zero-emission vehicle target, warning that a delay could undermine investment, jobs and industrial leadership.
A path to a net zero future
The open letter to President Ursula von der Leyen, initiated by E-Mobility Europe, emphasises that the 2035 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars is more than a climate milestone.
The 2035 ban outlines the importance of European competitiveness when it comes to the EV race.
Already, the legislation has triggered hundreds of billions of euros in investment and created more than 150,000 new jobs across the EU – from battery gigafactories in France and Germany to new or retooled car plants in Slovakia and Belgium.
"Signatories warn that weakening the target would hand long-term advantage to competitors such as China, which has moved faster and with greater strategic focus on electrification," the letter writes.
The International Energy Agency forecasts that one in four cars sold globally this year will already be electric, underscoring the pace of transition.
Big business behind the transition
Alongside energy providers, charging infrastructure companies and material suppliers, major corporations have backed the letter including:
- ABB E-mobility
- Uber
- Volvo
- IKEA (Ingka Group)
- Vattenfall
- Iberdrola
- Samsung SDI
- LG Energy Solution
- Octopus Energy
- Polestar
- Wallbox
- Fastned
- ChargePoint
- AstraZeneca
The open letters message states: “Stand firm, don’t step back. Maintain the full integrity of the 2035 zero-emissions target for cars and vans in your upcoming review. Back it up with bolder action to secure Europe’s industrial leadership in the electric age.”
The message is clear: investment and innovation are already underway, with European companies building better EVs, expanding charging networks and sourcing responsible materials.
Reskilling workforces and strengthening power grids are also central to the shift.
"Ambition must now be better matched by action," writes Chris Heron, Secretary General of E-Mobility Europe, on LinkedIn.
To make the 2035 target real, Europe’s governments need to back it up with a much stronger industrial strategy and stable, long-term demand policies across every country.
The letter's demands
The coalition outlines four priorities to accelerate Europe’s EV transition:
- A stronger industrial strategy to scale battery production and secure raw materials
- Smart, consistent incentives across EU member states to support consumer adoption
- Accelerated grid investment and permitting reform to build charging infrastructure
- Effective implementation of EU legislation to ensure a unified single market
According to the letter, "wavering on the 2035 target risks not only industrial competitiveness but also Europe’s climate goals and energy security.
Contrastingly, doubling down could cement Europe’s role as a leader in clean mobility, support high-quality jobs and deliver long-term sustainability."
