Read the declaration
Industryfor2035.org“We urge EU policy makers to focus on what actions we need to take to get there, rather than reopening legislation just agreed on.” – Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars
CEOs and executives of 50 companies have called on the EU not to re-open its 2035 zero-emission target for cars and vans. In a public declaration today, the executives from the automotive, clean tech, transport and energy ecosystem – which include Volvo Cars, Maersk, Uber and Europe’s largest leasing company, Ayvens – say the target is “feasible and necessary”.
“The 2035 target gives a clear direction that will allow us businesses, alongside all other stakeholders, to focus on delivering the transformation required,” the executives say in a statement on Industryfor2035.org. “It also provides the much needed investment certainty on the future of the automotive industry in Europe.”
EV-makers Polestar and Rivian also signed the declaration along with electric utility Iberdrola, retailer Tesco and IKEA’s largest franchisee, Ingka. The signatories say they are strongly committed to the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality goal and point out that many of them have invested massively to make it a reality.
“We therefore call on decision makers to not reopen the recently adopted car and van CO2 standards in 2026 and thereby maintain the 100% zero-emission car target in 2035,” the declaration states.
Dominic Phinn, Head of Transport at Climate Group, said: “To pursue the business and industrial transformations needed to reduce emissions, CEOs and executives need regulatory stability. Their message to newly appointed EU policy makers is: ‘Don’t let us down.’ Wavering on the agreed 2035 phase-out of the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles would jeopardise their investments, their fleet decarbonisation objectives and, ultimately, the EU climate neutrality goal.”
The companies point out that the 2035 zero-emission target received a democratic mandate from EU governments and MEPs in March 2023. Rather than reopening already agreed legislation, they say efforts should instead be focused on implementing what has already been agreed: targeted industrial policy and investment support for a sustainable local battery value chain, rolling out charging and clean electricity supply, greening corporate fleets and re-skilling workers for the electric transition.
Alex Keynes, Cars Policy Manager at Transport & Environment, said: “Changing the 2035 target would mean tearing up the map that businesses have based their investments on. Instead, let's support the transition with a green automotive plan that focuses on a speedier charging ramp-up and boosting demand through faster fleet electrification. There also needs to be support for local, clean battery manufacturing.”
Car and van emissions account for more than one-eighth (13%) of total greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. CO2 emissions from cars increased by 6% between 2000 and 2019.
Note to editors:
The declaration and companies can be viewed at Industryfor2035.org.
Quotes provided by signatories:
Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars:
“Electrification is the single biggest action our industry can take to cut its carbon footprint. The 2035 target is crucial to align all stakeholders on this journey and ensure European competitiveness. We urge EU policy makers to focus on what actions we need to take to get there, rather than reopening legislation just agreed on.”
Orlin Radev, CEO of AMPECO:
“Keeping the EU's 2035 ambition for transport electrification is an imperative. The targets are a catalyst for innovation and economic growth across the EV value chain, including in the EV charging infrastructure sector where Europe's industry leadership is demonstrated globally.”
Tim Albertsen, CEO of Ayvens: “We are committed to sustainable mobility, which we would like to accelerate. Such acceleration can only come to full fruition if all enabling conditions are in place. This includes a stable, consistent and supportive regulatory environment. The 2035 ICE Ban sets a clear horizon which is a crucial element for any acceleration.”
Aurelien de Meaux, Co-founder and CEO of Electra:
"At Electra, we are committing over a billion euros to develop an extensive fast-charging network. As a key player in infrastructure investment, we require industry stability, underscored by clear guidelines and well-defined milestones. The path to 2035, including specific CO2 milestones, was established in 2014 and 2019. We rely on this stability to make informed and effective investments and ask the legislator to not change the rules during the game."
Oren Ezer, CEO of Electreon:
“It remains critical to double down on investment and maintain the strategically essential goal of 100% zero emission new car sales by 2035 to ensure improved air quality for European citizens, meet emissions targets reductions in the transport sector, and continue to compete in the fast-evolving global EV automotive market race. This is especially the case given that the US and China continue to actively promote their respective EV industries. We come together in a call to ask you to be bold and continue the momentum of the important European Green Deal by maintaining the goals and allocating funds for innovation charging solutions.”
Matt Ersin, Senior Director for Government and Public Affairs of Fastned:
"Maintaining the 2035 zero-emission target is essential – not just for a sustainable future, but for securing Europe's competitive edge in the global mobility and automotive industries. By leading the charge toward zero emissions, Europe can set the standard for innovation and sustainability."
Peter Badik, Co-founder and Managing Partner of GreenWay:
“The 2035 deadline for phasing out tailpipe emissions, supported by the charging infrastructure targets in AFIR and EPBD, were carefully worked out over the last few years and provide clear direction for all of us to do our part in our sphere to deliver them. The electric vehicle technology is proven and tested. As long as we offer makes and models of EVs at different price points to serve more, varied customers – and the charging to support those drivers – we will meet our agreed upon goals.”
Christian Hahn, CEO of Hubject:
“Since 2012 the mission of Hubject has been to enable an open and digital EV charging ecosystem so that EV drivers have a seamless and reliable charging experience. By this, we are helping to accelerate the switch to electric vehicles and the transition to an emissions-free, sustainable mobility system. This is one of the core pillars that Hubject is built on and something I personally feel very strongly about. This is why I and Hubject are fully supporting the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality goal and the 100% zero-emission car target in 2035.”
Pierre Eymard, Director General of Logivolt:
“The 2035 deadline has set a structuring course for the mobility sector. To deviate from this trajectory would be both to abandon our ambition to decarbonise and to cast doubt on the urgency of climate change.”
Thomas Raffeiner, CEO of The Mobility House:
“As part of the Industry for 2035, we emphasise the critical need for regulatory stability to ensure secure investments and planning. This is essential not only for the future of Europe’s economy but also for achieving a zero-emission future. The 2035 ICE phase-out exemplifies an ambitious industrial policy that will keep our industry competitive and innovative in the evolving EV landscape, underscoring the fierce global competition we face as we work to combat global warming and its consequences.”
Tom Rowlands, CEO of Plugsurfing:
"Above all else, Europe's businesses and consumers need certainty. Wavering on established policies waters down not only Europe's climate goals, but also Europe's political weight. We need to keep our commitments.”
Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar:
"Electric vehicles are the only credible, scalable solution to help shift our industry towards carbon neutrality. However, further investments in material and technology innovation, as well as charging infrastructure, are needed. That is why consistency in decision-making is key to the car industry’s success in this transformation.”
Ehsan Emami, Founding President of Qovoltis:
“As a key player in electric vehicle infrastructure, we fully support the Industry for 2035 initiative and Europe’s commitment to ending the sale of combustion engine vehicles by 2035. This transition is not only essential for a sustainable future but also is in alignment with our strategic vision to accelerate the shift towards electric mobility.”
Alan Hoffman, Chief Policy Officer of Rivian:
“Europe helped lead the world when it set a target for automakers to eliminate tailpipe emissions from its vehicles by 2035. Delaying that target would reintroduce regulatory uncertainty for our industry, undermining the long-term investment climate we operate in. It’s important Europe continues to lead the world on climate issues, so we encourage policymakers to retain the 2035 zero-emissions target.”
Patrick Kic, President of WAAT:
“Let's support the shift to electric vehicles by all carmakers: we're ready for 2035!”
