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Ford and Volvo were the only two automakers to sign a recently published letter by a group of 28 cross-industry companies in support of new rules being considered that would see the European Union legislate that all new vehicles sold there are zero emissions by 2035.
The letter, which was sent to Members of the European Parliament and EU governments, also demands that the organization establish mandatory charging infrastructure targets for zero-emission vehicles, reports CleanTehcnica.
“At Ford in Europe, we believe that freedom of movement goes hand-in-hand with caring for our planet and each other,” said Stuart Rowley, chair, Ford of Europe. “EU policymakers must also establish mandatory national targets for a seamless electric charging infrastructure that lives up to the growing demand for electric vehicles.”
Read Also: European Union Could Ban All New Combustion Engine Cars From 2035
The rules would have the broader goal of helping Europe reach its climate goal of net zero emissions by 2050. That, proponents say, will help avoid the worst impacts of climate change on people and the planet. Signatories to the letter argue that, in order to achieve that goal, legislation that establishes standards and a clear timeline is necessary.
“Volvo Cars plans to become a fully electric car company by 2030 and supports the end of fossil fuel vehicle sales in Europe by 2035,” said Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars. “This would not only be in-line with the goals of the Paris Agreement, which require 100% zero tailpipe emission vehicle sales in Europe by 2035, but it’s just the right thing to do. The window for us to avoid the worst impacts of global warming is rapidly closing.”
Ford and Volvo are among 15 car brands that voluntarily pledged to sell only electric vehicles in the next decade but they were the only ones to sign this letter, which explicitly supports a law. The other signatories to this letter, meanwhile, were utilities and businesses that operate large fleets in Europe.
The letter comes as EU policymakers are reviewing new clean car rules that would ensure that only zero-emissions vehicles are sold in the EU by 2035. The European Parliament is set to make its position clear by June and the final law will be adopted this fall.
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