The centre-right European People’s Party, the largest group in the European Parliament, has urged a slower path to cutting CO2 emissions from new cars, suggesting that by 2035 a substantial reduction could be achieved without a full ban. The claim circulated is that their position reflects a 90 percent target, a nuance cited by Automotive News Europe.
In plain terms, not everyone in the European Union remains committed to shutting down petrol and diesel at every station. The European Parliament has long pressed for a total ban on selling new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 and has resisted attempts to soften that deadline. Emissions cuts from vehicles sit at the core of the broader Fit for 55 plan, the EU’s climate package introduced in July 2021 with the goal of cutting net greenhouse gases by 55 percent by 2030 and steering the bloc toward carbon neutrality by 2050.
Under that roadmap, the 2035 target envisions a substantial drop in emissions from new cars, backed by a ban on sales of new internal combustion engine vehicles across the 27 member states. The framework extends beyond gasoline and diesel engines to include hybrids that rely on electrical or other energy sources to move.
Automakers such as Ford and Volvo have signaled support for ending sales of internal combustion engine cars by 2035. Yet, Reuters reports indicate that many industry players are lobbying for more flexible timelines, arguing that stringent deadlines could push them away from even low-carbon fuels like natural gas and bioethanol.
Industry voices, led largely by German stakeholders, warn that the transition could threaten jobs and demand a smoother rollout to electrification. Conservative members of the European Parliament have urged allowances that would permit ICE sales to continue beyond 2035.
Russia, nickel and the supply chain
Following the outbreak of conflict in Ukraine, European auto production faced disruptions, including supplier shortages of essential materials such as wiring harnesses from Ukraine and nickel used in batteries. The rising cost of raw materials for battery production added to the pressure, affecting both electric and internal combustion engine vehicle output. The narrative highlights not only challenges to EV development but also to traditional car manufacturing.
Why nickel matters is simple: Norilsk Nickel, a Russian company, stands as a major supplier for battery metals. Nickel plays a critical role in battery chemistry, boosting energy density so EVs can travel longer distances on a single charge. In typical battery formulations, nickel content is high, with lithium acting as a secondary component in the electrolyte. The balance of metals shapes EV performance and cost.
Automakers and other battery-dependent sectors are actively seeking strategies to mitigate risk. For example, Audi’s Markus Duesmann has indicated that Volkswagen is pursuing direct procurement from mining companies. He notes that raw materials will remain a concern for years to come. The broader media conversation also points to how geopolitical tensions influence efforts in the United States and Europe to secure domestic supply chains for critical components. The New York Times has been cited in this context.
Industry observers stress that a mix of metals—nickel, cobalt, platinum, palladium, copper—will be essential to enabling a green transition. Some analysts caution that Europe must ensure a reliable energy backbone, with substantial renewable generation, to support a broad shift to electric mobility. Experts suggest that without significant renewable energy, the pace of 2035 electrification could stall.
In the near term, the EU’s stance on 2035 remains firm. SBS Consulting’s Dmitry Babansky notes that long-term decisions will hinge on economic conditions, yet a full transition to electric vehicles by 2035 remains a possibility if the energy framework is ready. Independent consultant Sergey Burgazliev points out that a unified, country-wide management approach akin to China’s could ease coordination, but cautions that Europe may need more time to align policies across markets. He also emphasizes that renewable energy must scale to meet vehicle manufacturing needs.
From a policy perspective, Burgazliev argues that the environmental gains depend on electricity production with high renewable share. He warns that if major battery makers operate only in Europe, several EU nations may resist the production shift due to the energy intensity and environmental footprint of battery manufacturing. He also notes the irony of regional patterns where China, Korea, and South Africa produce many components while Europe often relies on perceived clean electricity, even as actual power sources and grids vary by country.
Politically, observers acknowledge there are points to score, but real progress hinges on practical energy strategies and a credible road map. The debate reflects broader questions about how to balance environmental aims with energy security and industrial competitiveness across Europe and North America.
Impact on energy supply and manufacturing
Earlier in the year, new EU sanctions on Russia included an embargo on Russian oil and refined products. The price swings in oil and gas have pushed automakers like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz to explore alternatives beyond fossil fuels. Data from industry groups indicates that a sizable share of production energy remains non-renewable in many major manufacturers, underscoring the challenge of powering a green transition with existing energy mixes.
Analysts note that renewables still account for a relatively small slice of energy used within auto plants. In several cases, fossil fuels, including natural gas, remain essential for operations such as heating and finishing processes. The broader trend toward lower-emission production is tempered by current energy structures and price volatility in global markets.
Looking ahead, the sector faces evolving demands for new battery chemistries that reduce reliance on scarce materials. The road to electrification will likely incorporate diverse approaches, gradually increasing the share of renewable energy in production while refining battery technology to lower material intensity. Industry voices agree that while the journey is lengthy, steady progress is possible with coordinated policy, resilient supply chains, and continued investment in innovation.