Volvo And Rivian Plead With EU To Uphold 2035 Combustion Ban

While Volvo has recently updated its electrification goals and introduced a revised gas-powered XC90, the Swedish automaker is one of several brands urging the European Union to stay the course with its proposed combustion engine ban, reports Bloomberg. Volvo has been among the most vocal supporters of full-scale electrification, but as the rate of growth of EV demand dwindles, the Swedish automaker may be starting to worry about its ability to sustain sales in the medium-to-long term.

A declaration seen by the news publication shows that an assortment of companies, including Volvo and Rivian, is pleading with the EU to retain the policy. These marques argue that the electric vehicle sector needs certainty and support to meet goals and invest in the segment. Backtracking of any kind may undermine these goals, they argued.

EU Combustion Ban Is Essential For EV Growth

Jim Rowan, CEO at Volvo, believes that the EU’s 2035 goal is important for all companies. “Electrification is the single biggest action our industry can take to cut its carbon footprint. The 2035 target is crucial to align all stakeholders on this journey and ensure European competitiveness,” he said.

While Rivian is also in support of the combustion engine ban, the collection of companies includes brands from outside of the automotive sphere, including tech company Uber and furniture maker Ikea. Larger automakers, such as Volkswagen, Stellantis, and BMW have not voiced support like Volvo. The latter two have been staunchly against a single-minded approach to decarbonization, and they and several other marques (including Volvo) are investing heavily in hybrid technology to meet customer demand for more affordable electrified vehicles.

Several Countries Are In Support Of Synthetic Fuel Usage

Those in support of a combustion engine ban argue that European Union members – like Germany and Italy – are trailing China in the production of mainstream electric vehicles. Volvo and the other companies claim that European automakers have relied on the sales of ICE-powered vehicles for too long and have delayed investing in EV technology. But their view is not a universal one.

Many have called for caveats that would allow for the use of synthetic or biofuels, for example. Several EU members refused to agree to the combustion ban without changes to the legislation, as the goal is to eliminate emissions and not the combustion engine. Italy has spoken out against the ban and has said that it wants a revised version for 2026 that allows for the introduction of biofuels. Despite legislators’ best efforts, it looks like we won’t have a concrete end date for combustion for a long time to come.

Source:
Bloomberg