According to foreign media reports, the European Union’s climate commissioner reiterated on Nov. 7 that the EU plans to stop selling cars that contain carbon dioxide emissions by 2035 and tighten carbon dioxide emission limits next year. Previously, some member state governments and automakers pressured the EU to reconsider the policy.
The EU has previously passed a law banning the sale of new cars that emit CO2 from 2035, effectively outlawing diesel and gasoline new cars. Stricter EU limits on CO2 emissions from carmakers’ fleets will also come into effect next year.
Italy and the Czech Republic have said slumping sales of electric cars mean carmakers are failing to meet these targets and have asked the EU to urgently re-examine them.
Asked by lawmakers about his plans for the auto sector, EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra said the EU’s climate rules provide a predictable investment climate.
Speaking at a hearing in the European Parliament, Hoekstra said the European Commission would hold talks with industry to “radically clarify how we can shape this better future, how we can stick to the targets and how we can bring predictability.”
Hoekstra said, “Many of the CEOs of the car companies that I’ve spoken to have said that they are able to reach their goals.” But he did not specify the names of the car companies.
Hoekstra also said the auto industry is asking the EU to increase public investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. “It’s a fair request,” he said.
At Germany’s request, the European Commission has agreed to tweak the 2035 ban to allow sales of cars using synthetic fuel (e-fuel) to continue after the deadline.
Asked by MPs whether the EU would also consider a greater role for biofuels, Hoekstra said, “I can’t break the consensus that we have reached in the automotive sector because it was a consensus that was reached after a long process.”
Several car companies have warned that they will not be able to meet the EU’s carbon dioxide emission limits for cars next year and could face billions of euros in fines.
In response, Hoekstra said these concerns may be exaggerated given the relatively low fines car companies face for failing to meet EU emissions targets for 2020, when Volkswagen faces fines of more than €100 million.
Hoekstra is seeking the European Parliament’s approval for another five years in his post overseeing EU climate change policy. Parliament will decide later this month whether to approve the new European Commission.