A broad coalition of non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and energy industry groups has urged EU leaders to reset the narrative on vehicle electrification, arguing that Europe must accelerate its push rather than scale back. In a letter addressed to heads of state and government, the group warned against lowering ambition amid growing political headwinds.
The coalition's call comes as the European Union faces mounting pressure from automakers and some member states to soften its 2035 phase-out of internal combustion engines. Insisting that the transition is still on track, the signatories contend that slowing down would undermine both climate goals and industrial competitiveness.
Infrastructure investment remains a key bottleneck. The letter emphasizes the need for a rapid build-out of charging networks and grid capacity to support mass adoption, noting that consumer confidence hinges on reliable access to charging points across the bloc.
Geopolitically, accelerating electrification would reduce Europe's dependence on imported oil, particularly from regions with volatile supply chains. The coalition frames the shift as an energy security imperative, not just an environmental one.
Some industry voices caution that an overly aggressive timeline could destabilize Europe's automotive workforce and supply chains without adequate support for retooling factories and retraining workers. The coalition acknowledges these concerns but insists that inaction carries greater long-term risks.