Some 150 leading companies from the e-mobility sector sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, asking the EU not to postpone the 2035 ban on combustion engines.
The call to stick to the zero-emission target for cars and vans was prompted by a vote in the European Parliament, in which the relaxation of emission standards was voted on. At the beginning of May, the European Parliament still voted in favor of relaxing these regulations.
European Green Deal
From 2035 onward, all European cars must be completely emission-free, as stipulated in the European Green Deal. The reduction in emissions will be implemented in phases.
On August 27th, 2025, the heads of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) delivered a separate letter to von der Leyen, arguing that the 2035 automotive CO₂ targets were “simply no longer feasible” given current industrial, geopolitical, and economic conditions—including over-reliance on Asian battery supply chains, high production costs, uneven charging infrastructure, and rising trade barriers.
They called for a so-called ‘technology-neutral’ approach, giving room for EVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), REEV with range extenders, or what they call highly efficient ICEs, hydrogen fuel cell cars, and ICE vehicles running on decarbonized fuels. The letter suggested expanding demand-side incentives and rethinking CO₂ regulation for heavy-duty trucks and buses.
Last Saturday, another top manager in the automotive sector sounded the alarm bell. Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa once again called on the EU authorities for more action to protect the European car industry against outside competition, particularly from the upcoming Chinese rivals.
Asking the EU to respect the agreed phase-out date
Now, the 150 leaders in the e-mobility sector fear that zero emissions and the ban on combustion engines will also be abolished by 2035. They, therefore, urge the Commission to respect the agreed phase-out date. Vehicle manufacturers, battery makers, charging operators, material suppliers, and grid operators are all urging the EU to adhere to the agreed-upon phase-out date.
They ask Ursula von der Leyen to remain “steadfast” and “not to back down”. “Rolling back the legislation would mean stalling Europe’s EV market, undermining investor confidence, and handing over a competitive advantage to global rivals – particularly China,” the business leaders said.
Critical moment
Strong supporters of the 2035 ICE ban are Volvo’s sister brand, Polestar, for instance, while car manufacturers seeking flexibility are Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and the Stellantis Group.
On September 12th, 2025, Ursula von der Leyen plans to hold a Strategic Dialogue with industry stakeholders. This will be a critical moment for determining whether the 2035 ban remains firmly in place or is softened in light of the concerns that have been raised.
