Spectacular electric car sales weaken pressure for lower CO2 standards, EU climate chief says

LUXEMBOURG — A sharp rise in electric vehicle sales across Europe is reshaping political debate over future rules for combustion-engine cars, with some countries moving away from calls to weaken climate targets, EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra said Thursday.

Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU environment ministers in Luxembourg, Hoekstra said the surge in electric car demand is challenging arguments that the bloc should soften its long-term emissions goals. He referred to a previous proposal that called for a 100% reduction in CO2 emissions from new cars by 2035.

“Some have indeed been saying, both member states and the European Parliament, ‘isn’t this a sign that the status quo was already good enough?’” Hoekstra said, noting the ongoing debate over the direction of EU climate policy.

Last year, the European Commission revised its original plan after pressure from the automotive industry. The proposal was adjusted from a 100% emissions cut to a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions from new vehicles by 2035.

Despite the revision, Hoekstra said he still supports the updated target, adding that the rapid growth in electric vehicle sales is helping strengthen the case for continued transition. He described the increase as “very helpful,” pointing to particularly strong growth in Europe’s three largest markets, as well as a notable rise in the used electric vehicle market, which he said is “truly very impressive, with tens of percentages more than in the year before.” -Reporting by Kate Abnett, writing by Bart Meijer; Editing by Aidan Lewis/Reuters