Key points for Consumers: CO2 standards for cars and vans

Car electrification is taking off in Europe, with consumer interest rising as electric vehicles (EVs) become more accessible. But the supply of small, affordable EVs still lags behind demand, especially on the second-hand market, where most cars are sold. Weakening targets and promoting “alternative” technologies thus confuse consumers and deter investments. It slows the flow of EVs into markets, pushing back clean and affordable mobility for all.

This paper summarises BEUC’s reaction regarding the Commission’s proposal on the revision of CO2 standards for cars and vans. BEUC warns that the suggested watering down of CO2 targets risks discouraging the uptake of EVs, essential for affordable transport decarbonisation. Additionally, the proposal focuses too much on false solutions such as Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and alternative fuels.