· 3 min read
illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The European Union’s plan to phase out sales of new gas and diesel cars by 2035 is under mounting pressure
• While once hailed as a flagship climate policy, the proposal is now facing political backlash, industrial challenges, and economic anxieties — prompting calls for flexibility from conservative lawmakers and automotive industry leaders
• The shift comes ahead of a crucial EU review period that could alter the original target
🔭 The context: The 2035 ban was introduced in 2021 as part of the EU’s broader Green Deal, aiming to decarbonize the transport sector, which accounts for nearly a quarter of the bloc’s emissions
• Automakers such as Volkswagen and BMW(see sustainability performance) initially supported the transition, investing heavily in electrification
• However, surging EV costs, competition from Chinese manufacturers, and factory layoffs have strained support
• Political sentiment has also shifted rightward, leading to greater skepticism toward rapid climate mandates
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Delaying the phaseout could jeopardize the EU’s net-zero goals and signal weakened global climate leadership
• A watered-down target risks prolonging fossil fuel reliance and slowing EV infrastructure expansion
• On the other hand, critics argue a rigid timeline without economic safeguards may deepen reliance on Chinese supply chains and undermine local industries
• The outcome will influence how major economies balance climate ambition with industrial resilience
⏭️ What's next: The EU will formally review the 2035 regulation, with possible revisions on the table — including extended allowances for plug-in hybrids
• Member states like Italy and Germany are lobbying for delays, while the European Commission is offering transitional flexibility to automakers
• Industry players are under pressure to deliver more affordable EV models as Chinese competitors ramp up European operations
• The final direction could shape global EV standards and investment flows in the coming years
💬 One quote: “We need flexibility on the 2035 target. We don’t want to kill off the industry.” — Jens Gieseke, Member of the European Parliament, European People’s Party
📈 One stat: As of 2024, just 13.6% of new cars sold in the EU are fully electric — far below the uptake needed to meet the 2035 target
See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of Volkswagen, BMW, and Renault and their peers Stellantis, BYD, and Tesla
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