The world is witnessing a fundamental shift in how we move. With climate change becoming an increasingly urgent issue, the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is no longer just a trend—it’s an imperative. Passenger cars are a major source of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions. While other sectors of the European economy have reduced their contributions to climate change in the last decade, emissions from passenger cars are flatlining, becoming responsible for more and more of the EU’s emissions overall.
European battery electric car sales grew strongly between 2020 and 2023. Member state policies to encourage the sale of electric vehicles have been key to achieving this progress:
- Germany exempts EVs from ownership tax for ten years and gave electric car buyers a grant of €6,750 (was stopped in December 2023)
- France plans €1bn in subsidies for 2025, including a €4,000 eco-bonus and a relaunch of its social leasing scheme
- Italy offers up to €7,500 in incentives, but uptake has been lower than in France and Germany.
Another key factor influencing the growth of EV sales are improvements in technology, such as better range and battery efficiency, reductions in cost as battery manufacturing scales up. Europe could see 13 million charging points by the end of this year—expanding to approximately 35 million by 2030. This rapid growth is expected to create significant economic benefits, with estimates suggesting that Europe will employ around 220,000 workers across its charging industry by 2030–2035.
The importance of upholding EU CO2 emission standards for 2025
The European Commission’s focus on CO2 emissions standards, specifically for 2025, 2030, and 2035, is vital to the automotive industry’s transition to zero-emission vehicles. The 2025 CO2 targets, established in 2019, are crucial for driving investment in e-mobility and ensuring a level playing field for automakers, supporting the growth of the charging infrastructure, battery supply chains, and raw materials sectors. Achieving these targets is expected to lower EV costs over time, making them more accessible and competitive with traditional vehicles. The 2035 targets provide a long-term roadmap for climate-neutrality in transport, but an early review of these standards could destabilize the market.
Chris Heron, Secretary General, E-Mobility Europe, said
“It’s critical that Europe’s 2025 CO₂ limits remain in place to help pull electric vehicle sales upwards. They are necessary to keep a level playing field and to drive ecosystem investment in the face of intense global competition. If the European Commission does investigate flexibilities, it must tread very carefully to keep healthy pressure on the 2025 market”.
Experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive industrial strategy to secure Europe’s leadership in the global electric vehicle (EV) transition. This strategy should incorporate stable national incentives, regulatory consistency, and enhanced financial support for the battery supply chain, all crucial for accelerating EV adoption and ensuring long-term competitiveness.
This analysis, conducted by E-Mobility Europe and New Automotive, quantifies the impact of the EU’s CO₂ Regulation. While the regulation is one of several factors influencing the adoption of electric vehicles in Europe—alongside national policies and technological advancements—their findings highlight its crucial role in unlocking the benefits of electromobility for Europeans.
The Role of the Industry Ecosystem
Electric mobility is not just about the vehicles themselves; it’s about a broader ecosystem that includes charging infrastructure, vehicle manufacturers, battery production, and policy frameworks.
As the industry grows, so does the need for collaboration among these various stakeholders.
Events like EVS38 provide the perfect platform for these diverse stakeholders to come together and shape the future of electric mobility.
With over 300 exhibitors from more than 70 countries, the 38th International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition (EVS38) will showcase groundbreaking advancements and offer a unique platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration. Whether you’re an automaker, a policymaker, or a technology innovator, EVS38 provides a crucial opportunity to engage with the industry’s key players and shape the future of electric transportation.
The event is co-organized by E-Mobility Europe, the European Association for Electromobility, the City of Gothenburg, and GL Events Exhibitions & Operations, and will be supported by Business Region Gothenburg and Gothenburg & Co. With dedicated sessions focusing on Scandinavia’s innovations, Europe’s evolving market, and global strategies for electric mobility, EVS38 is set to be a pivotal moment for the industry.
Register today and join over 10,000 visitors in exploring the future of electric mobility at EVS38. Early bird registration is available until April 15th. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this global event that will shape the future of transportation.
For more information and to register, visit EVS38.org.
