Review of EU electric vehicle strategy and impact of decision to ban combustion engine vehicles by 2035

Question for written answer E-002171/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Philippe Olivier (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE)

On 14 February 2023, as part of the zero-emissions target, Parliament adopted legislation banning the sale of new combustion-engine vehicles in the EU by 2035. This political decision is brutal, as will be its social, economic and industrial repercussions.

The EU is having to deal with an increasing dependence on critical raw materials imported from third countries, as well as challenges with charging infrastructure. In addition, sales of electric vehicles are falling (down by 10% Europe-wide last July, while sales in Germany plummeted by 37%), attesting to the lack of consumer appetite for these often very costly vehicles. As a result, some manufacturers have had to set their sights lower.

This situation shows that a hasty decision can have significant consequences, in this case on jobs and the competitiveness of European industries.

• 1.What does the Commission intend to do today to remedy the negative effects of this decision, particularly for European manufacturers and subcontractors.
• 2.What mechanisms does the Commission plan on implementing to prevent consumers who are dependent on cars (particularly those living in rural areas) from becoming the first victims of the additional costs that come with buying an electric vehicle?
• 3.Can the Commission immediately activate the review clause on the ban on selling new combustion-engine vehicles from 2035?

Submitted: 18.10.2024