T&E Urges Policymakers to Maintain Strong CO2 Standards
The NGO warns that weakening regulations could result in 22 million fewer EVs built in EU factories.
The European environmental NGO T&E has issued recommendations urging policymakers to maintain strong CO2 standards for cars and vans, as well as robust Clean Corporate Vehicles regulations. The group argues that the coming weeks are crucial for determining the future of the EU’s automotive industry.
What Happened
T&E’s analysis highlights four key areas where strong regulations are deemed necessary: affordability, competitiveness, climate impact, and energy security. According to the group, households could save €70 per month by switching from petrol to electric vehicles, while large companies would see even greater savings. The NGO notes that diesel currently costs €30 extra per fill-up compared to other fuels, a cost the group describes as trapping citizens in a "fossil fuel trap."
Why It Matters
The recommendations come as 38% of new cars sold in the EU in August were fully electric. T&E warns that weak CO2 standards and corporate fleet targets could lead to 22 million electric vehicles not being built in EU factories, based on data from ACEA. Furthermore, the group states that giving combustion engines a longer runway would cost Europe €74 billion, with funds flowing to oil-rich countries rather than staying within the local economy. T&E also notes that electric cars saved €2.9 billion in oil imports last year alone.
The Bottom Line
T&E asserts that strong CO2 standards are essential to keep 720 million tonnes of CO2 out of the atmosphere by 2050. Weaker rules, the group argues, could add 1.4 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2050 and result in 900 million more barrels of imported oil by 2035, threatening Europe’s climate objectives and energy independence.
