Transport Online – Automotive industry questions the feasibility of Brussels plans
BRUSSELS – Policy makers in Brussels must take into account the uncertain situations where the car industry is being developed. According to the European association ACEA, it is good that the European Parliament is coming up with ambitious targets to develop CO2 emissions, but questions whether these are achievable given the problems in the supply chain, the limited availability of materials for electric cars and the slow roll-out of charging infrastructure.
The European Parliament wants no new petrol and diesel cars to be sold by 2035. An agreement was reached on this. Now that the European Parliament has taken a position, negotiations with the EU countries can begin. The proposals can only come into effect if they also agree.
The ACEA says it has taken cognizance of the European plans through chairman Oliver Zipse, who is also CEO of BMW. According to him, the goals should be set in stone and set up not to see what can be achieved and what cannot. “Given the date we are experiencing globally, long-term regulation beyond this decade is premature at this early stage. Instead, there is a mid-term review of the post 2030 target,” said Rits.
Furthermore, the AC chairman wonders whether enough raw materials will be available for the production of electric cars over the years. In addition, he has to take into account that a lot of it comes from outside the EU. However, according to Zipse, the car industry is fully cooperating with Europe’s goal of being CO2 neutral by 2050.