The European Union should uphold its 2025 CO₂ emission targets and introduce incentives for electric vehicle (EV) purchases rather than waiving fines for automakers that fail to meet targets, according to E-Mobility Europe, an industry group representing automakers, battery manufacturers, and charging firms.
Citing research from British consultancy New Automotive, E-Mobility Europe stated that the 2025 emissions regulations could drive a 65% increase in EV sales across the EU this year. Without these targets, sales are projected to rise by only 33%.
A range of new affordable EV models priced under €25,000 is expected to enter the market in 2024, including the Renault R5, Fiat Grand Panda, Hyundai Inster, and VW ID.2. E-Mobility Europe’s secretary general, Chris Heron, suggested that funding for EV incentives could come from tariffs on Chinese-made EVs or unallocated post-pandemic relief funds.
“With targets in place, there will be a massive push to sell electric cars this year,” Heron said. “If Europe’s governments support this transition, fines may not even need to be issued.”
Under the EU’s 2025 CO₂ emission rules, automakers must ensure that more than 20% of their sales are fully electric. However, EVs accounted for just 13.6% of new car sales in 2024, putting the industry at risk of €15 billion in fines. European automakers have urged the European Commission to reconsider imposing these penalties.
E-Mobility Europe, formerly known as Avere, represents major players in the EV ecosystem, including Tesla, Chinese battery maker CATL, and Dutch fast-charging company Fastned. Fastned CEO Michiel Langezaal warned that investors could lose confidence in charging infrastructure if the EU weakens its emissions targets. “It’s incredibly important to keep the targets in place to ensure the entire industry transitions. Otherwise, the necessary infrastructure cannot be built,” Langezaal said.
