EU carmakers say 2035 CO2 zero-emission goal out of reach
EU carmakers say the 2035 zero-emissions target is unrealistic
EU carmakers say 2035 CO2 zero-emission goal out of reach
Mercedes-Benz and Schaeffler warn the EU’s 2035 zero-emissions CO2 target is unattainable, citing battery dependence, weak charging networks and rising costs.
2025-08-27T14:41:31+03:00
2025-08-27T14:41:31+03:00
2025-08-27T14:41:31+03:00
European carmakers say the EU’s CO2 targets, including a full zero-emissions goal for passenger cars by 2035, are out of reach. That message was delivered in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen from Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius and Schaeffler Management Board Chairman Matthias Zink.
They point to dependence on Asian battery suppliers, a shortfall in charging infrastructure, and high manufacturing costs. Pressure is compounded by Chinese rivals in the electric-vehicle segment and higher U.S. import tariffs. Taken together, these headwinds make the current timeline look optimistic, highlighting a growing gap between policy ambition and what industry can realistically deliver.
On September 12, the European Commission will meet with automotive leaders to discuss the sector’s future. With global competition intensifying and costs climbing, companies are urging a rethink of the roadmap. For buyers, this also shapes the near-term choice of what to drive: electric models remain the priority, but affordability and cost structures are still under strain—suggesting the transition will continue, just not at the pace policymakers once imagined.
EU CO2 targets, 2035 zero-emissions goal, European carmakers, Mercedes-Benz, Schaeffler, Ursula von der Leyen, EV market, charging infrastructure, battery supply, Chinese EVs, US tariffs, EU Commission
2025
Michael Powers
news
EU carmakers say the 2035 zero-emissions target is unrealistic
Mercedes-Benz and Schaeffler warn the EU’s 2035 zero-emissions CO2 target is unattainable, citing battery dependence, weak charging networks and rising costs.
Michael Powers, Editor
European carmakers say the EU’s CO2 targets, including a full zero-emissions goal for passenger cars by 2035, are out of reach. That message was delivered in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen from Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius and Schaeffler Management Board Chairman Matthias Zink.
They point to dependence on Asian battery suppliers, a shortfall in charging infrastructure, and high manufacturing costs. Pressure is compounded by Chinese rivals in the electric-vehicle segment and higher U.S. import tariffs. Taken together, these headwinds make the current timeline look optimistic, highlighting a growing gap between policy ambition and what industry can realistically deliver.
On September 12, the European Commission will meet with automotive leaders to discuss the sector’s future. With global competition intensifying and costs climbing, companies are urging a rethink of the roadmap. For buyers, this also shapes the near-term choice of what to drive: electric models remain the priority, but affordability and cost structures are still under strain—suggesting the transition will continue, just not at the pace policymakers once imagined.
