If the European Union has already recorded the suspension of sales of new thermal vehicles for several months, doubts about the actual application of this measure are still very relevant, fueled in particular by certain manufacturers who condemned the application deadline is too short for the industry.

However, these doubts were quickly dispelled, and manufacturers, mostly fatalistic, took the bull by the horns and began a violent energy transition with more or less success.

Manufacturers oppose 2035

But with the approach of the European elections on June 9, the debate surrounding the ban on thermal energy in 2035 is renewed, as if the main players in the sector were looking forward to this date. Today, dissenting voices are increasingly heard.
Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault and president of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), spoke at the recent Geneva Motor Show, according to reports from Reuters. his desire to slightly delay the ban on heat engines in Europeoriginally planned for 2035. In an interview with AFP, he also highlighted the potential negative consequences for the European automotive industry as a whole.
“Initially we asked for a later date because we thought the time frame would be too short. The final decision rests with the legislator. I hope they will take into account our initial concerns.”explains Luca de Meo.

Several countries are against the heat ban

Many industry players are already considering an early revision of CO2 reduction targets₂ in the event of a change in the political majority. The largest European party (EPP) has reportedly published a report in which it commits to a more gradual phase-out of heat engines in Europe.
The ban on the sale of new cars with heat engines has never been unanimous in the European Union. Some countries, such as Italy, Bulgaria and Poland, opposed it, while others, including Germany and Italy, were granted exemptions. for brands that produce less than 1,000 cars per year.
Despite the impressive growth in electric car sales last year, supported by procurement aid, the market appears to have struggled at the start of the year, particularly in Germany, where subsidies for electric cars have all but disappeared. Customer concerns about the additional costs and limitations of using electric models seem to be outweighed by environmental considerations.

CAFE standards are still in limbo

Producers also have high hopes revision point planned for 2026 to review all European “Fit to 55” rules. Let’s also not forget the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) provision, regardless of Fit for 55, which manufacturers hope to repeal. However, this looks worse than in 2035, as CAFE standards have been in place since 2015, with emissions of 130 g/km CO₂.

From 2021, this threshold was lowered to 95 g/km of CO2₂then 50 g/km in 2030, which should already mean the end of thermal.

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