The European electric vehicle (EV) market encountered a challenging 2024, with a 6% decline in registrations compared to 2023. Despite the availability of more affordable EV models, European sales lagged behind the growth seen in the United States and China. This setback comes as European automakers brace for stricter emissions regulations that will hit in 2025.
The Green Deal’s Impact on the Automotive Industry
Starting this year, European automakers are required to meet tighter carbon dioxide emissions limits. If they fail to comply, they will face heavy fines. These regulations are part of the European Green Deal, which aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and eliminate them completely by 2050. The deal also includes a ban on the sale of new combustion-powered cars by 2035, signaling a major shift toward electric vehicles.
However, the introduction of fines for non-compliance has sparked significant opposition within the automotive industry, particularly among local automakers and some European countries. In a strongly worded open letter, Ola Kallenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz and president of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), called for an end to the upcoming fines, warning that they could harm the industry’s efforts to transition to electric mobility.
The Argument Against Fines
Kallenius argues that the looming penalties could divert funds away from crucial research and development (R&D) needed to bring more affordable EVs to market. He stressed that while the automotive industry is committed to achieving the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality goal, the current strategy could hinder economic growth and competitiveness.
“The automotive industry especially needs to know how to mitigate the risk of significant non-compliance,” Kallenius said, adding that investing in R&D is essential to make electric cars more accessible. He also emphasized the importance of rethinking the Green Deal to make it more flexible and supportive of the industry’s transformation.
Will Automakers Face Heavy Penalties?
According to Transport & Environment (T&E), the majority of automakers are unlikely to face significant penalties in 2025. The regulations will require an average fleet-wide CO2 emissions level of 95 grams per kilometer for passenger vehicles, down from the current 116 grams. However, manufacturers can offset penalties by increasing the sale of zero- and low-emissions vehicles, including EVs and plug-in hybrids.
Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Stellantis, for instance, have CO2 targets that require them to lower their fleet-wide emissions to 91, 90, and 97 grams per kilometer, respectively. If they exceed these limits, they will incur fines of 95 euros ($98) per excess gram of CO2 per vehicle sold.
T&E projects that even in a worst-case scenario where manufacturers miss their targets, the total penalties would remain below 1 billion euros. Analysts predict that Volkswagen, for example, could avoid penalties by increasing its EV sales share to 17% by 2025.
Regional Discontent: A Divided Stance on the Green Deal
Despite some countries like Germany witnessing a decline in EV registrations, many European nations are still pushing back against the Green Deal. Several countries, including Austria, Poland, and Italy, have voiced concerns that the new regulations could harm local industries, especially as the uptake of EVs has been slower than expected.
A joint proposal published by the Austrian parliament last year argued that stringent emissions targets risk imposing fines on manufacturers who cannot meet the new requirements due to the slower adoption of EVs.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for EV Sales?
While 2024 has been a tough year for EV registrations in parts of Europe, there is optimism for the future. ACEA’s data shows that sales have not slowed across the entire continent, with some countries still experiencing growth in EV registrations. Furthermore, analysts from S&P Global Mobility predict a significant increase in EV sales across Europe in 2025, with a projected rise of over 40% compared to 2024.
As the European Green Deal continues to shape the future of the automotive industry, it remains to be seen whether the additional pressure of fines will ultimately drive the necessary innovation and growth in the EV market.
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