2030–2035 targets for cars and vans not achievable: Europe needs smarter regulatory path and distinct approach

2030–2035 targets for cars and vans not achievable: Europe needs smarter regulatory path and distinct approach

ACEA — 2025-11-07

News from Brussels

As Europe’s 2030 and 2035 CO2 targets for cars and vans drift out of reach, ACEA calls for a smarter, more realistic approach that recognises the distinct challenges of cars and vans and supports a competitive, consumer-driven transition to zero-emission mobility.

The current pace of the BEV market growth for cars and vans indicates that the 2030 and 2035 CO2 targets are no longer achievable. While manufacturers remain fully committed to the 2050 climate neutrality goal — and see electrification as the main pathway to decarbonising transport — the reality on the ground has proven far more complex. The supporting ecosystem (infrastructure, incentives, battery value chain development) and consumer demand can’t follow the pace set by the 100% zero tailpipe emission target – even though the range of available and more affordable electric vehicles (EVs) is constantly growing.  

A sole focus on 100% BEV risks undermining Europe’s industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy. The EU is only beginning to establish its own EV battery value chain, and weak consumer demand means carmakers struggle to sell EVs at scale — threatening growth and jobs in the long run. 

The van segment faces a particularly tough challenge that requires urgent attention. Battery-electric van sales in the EU’s main markets remain too low to meet even the 2025 target of a 15% CO2 reduction. 

Pushing consumers towards EV-only options without the right conditions will likely have the opposite effect: people will keep their older vehicles longer, resulting in an ageing fleet and higher emissions overall.  

ACEA calls for a more realistic and pragmatic approach for the post-2035 regime for cars and vans based on three pillars: 

1. Doubling down on the enabling conditions for electrification: revising the CO2 Regulation alone will not decarbonise road transport. Stronger infrastructure targets, grid investments, regulatory reforms for vehicle-to-grid integration, and sustained demand incentives are critical to make electric vehicles both practical and economically attractive.
2. Link the decarbonisation targets for vehicles to two other critical dimensions – competitiveness and resilience and ensure a “three lane” approach: tailored policies for different vehicle segments – cars, vans and heavy-duty vehicles. Vans for example, which operate under different conditions than passenger cars, require a distinct approach. 
3. Technology neutrality means supporting all viable drivetrain options, such as plug-in hybrids, range extenders, and hydrogen fuel cells, that can help reduce road transport emissions. 

Any remaining emissions from a small share of non-electric vehicles can be offset in several ways: by renewing vehicle fleets, increasing the use of low-carbon or recycled materials in manufacturing, using more decarbonised fuels, or through carbon removal measures.