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TAKE CHARGE,

Europe

An open letter from European business leaders

Over 200 CEOs and business leaders call on Europe to stand firm on the 2035 target and take charge for electric mobility leadership.

Dear President von der Leyen,

We write as over 200 business leaders from Europe’s rapidly growing e-mobility ecosystem – including vehicle manufacturers, battery producers, charging providers, software developers, material suppliers, electricity suppliers, engineering services, and grid operators – united by a clear message:

Stand firm, don’t step back. Maintain the full integrity of the 2035 zero-emissions target for cars and vans in your upcoming review. Back it up with bolder action to secure Europe’s industrial leadership in the electric age.

This target, agreed under your leadership in 2023, was not just a climate milestone. It signalled Europe’s intent to lead in the global drive for clean mobility, energy security, and industrial innovation. It has set a clear, credible path for industry, investors, governments, and citizens: to stay ahead as the world goes electric. 

That signal mattered, and it initiated real action. Our companies and sectors have committed hundreds of billions of euros in new investment, already creating over 150,000 new jobs – from battery gigafactories in France and Germany, to new or retooled car plants in Slovakia and Belgium, to the rapid expansion of charging infrastructure across the continent.

Workers are reskilling. Responsible materials are being sourced and produced. Power grids are being made more resilient and flexible, including through smart technologies like vehicle-to-grid. And better electric cars are already hitting Europe’s roads, built here, powered by Europe’s own energy. 

Delaying the 2035 target, or broadening focus after 2035 to less efficient, transitional technologies, would stall these collective steps forward, erode investor confidence, and permanently hand the advantage to global competitors – who will continue to advance.

Regions like China have moved faster on electric cars and with greater strategic focus. Hesitate now, and Europe risks deeper dependency, lost influence, and falling irreversibly behind – in a world where one in four cars sold this year will already be electric according to the International Energy Agency. 

The 2035 zero-emission target is the foundation for Europe’s leadership. Now it needs backing up with the industrial and demand policies for Europe to compete.

In your upcoming review, we urge you to send a clear message of commitment – not retreat – while putting forward a bolder, coordinated strategy that more strongly backs all our industries through this demanding transition, and secures long-term electric vehicle, battery, and infrastructure competitiveness. 

That means:

  • A far stronger European industrial policy that scales battery production, secures raw materials, and supports supplier and machinery transformation.
  • Smart, consistent incentives across Member States, to support all Europeans in switching to electric vehicles.
  • Accelerated investment in grids and permitting reform, to deliver the infrastructure needed for widespread electrification.
  • A renewed commitment to effectively implement existing EU legislation, driving the transition forward throughout the single market.

This is a pivotal moment. Your conviction to act boldly now will decide whether Europe takes charge of its electric future or follows it. 

President von der Leyen, you have been a champion of Europe’s clean technology ambitions. We urge you to stand by the 2035 target and back it up, at the centre of your wider competitiveness and resilience agenda.

We are all committed to build and power Europe’s electric vehicle future. We now ask Europe’s political leadership to stay the course, step up with us, and take charge.

Yours sincerely,

Join the growing list of companies that #TakeChargeEU! Sign to support, and we will be in touch.

SIGNATORIES

Francesca Gamboni

Chief Industrial Operations Officer

Michiel Langezaal

CEO and Co-Founder

Benoît Lemaignan

Chief Executive Officer

Michael Lohscheller

Chief Executive Officer

Vera Pinto Pereira

Executive Board Member,
EDP Group and CEO, EDP Comercial

Jeroen van Tilburg

Chief Executive Officer

Agustín Delgado Martín

Chief Technology Officer

Philipp Senoner

Founder, CEO and Chairman of the Board

Martin Philips

Chief Executive Officer

Philippe Hatron

Executive Vice President

Ole-Christen Enger

Chief Executive Officer

Kerstin Wedemann

Chief Legal & Corporate Officer

Karen Pflug

Chief Sustainability Officer

Fabian Hagmann

Vice-President E-mobility

Download the full signatory list
“Maintaining the current 2035 target is both achievable and crucial for climate neutrality by 2050, for the prosperity of our economies and the whole e-mobility ecosystem and for the European energy sovereignty.”
Jean-Philippe Laurent
Jean-Philippe Laurent Senior VP Strategy & Development, EDF France
"The mindset we need today is not defensive adaptation but proactive leadership - a growth mindset both in industry and in policy alike. That means taking decisive actions to sustain and drive EV demand and to accelerate the transition to electric mobility in Europe."
Michiel Langezaal
Michiel LangezaalCEO, Fastned
“IONITY and the entire charging industry are investing billions in Germany’s economy and in the future of electric mobility. But this future will only succeed if Europe maintains clear and reliable framework conditions. Electric mobility becomes more affordable and accessible the more people drive electric. What we need now is a clear commitment to the CO₂ targets and smart incentives that accelerate progress and build trust.”
Jeroen van Tilburg,
Jeroen van Tilburg, CEO IONITY
“Germany and Europe must take long-term, strategic action. We need the mobility transition as part of the overall energy transition. And for the electric age, Germany and Europe need a regional battery and lithium supply chain. That's what we're working on every day at Rock Tech Lithium. We are still almost 100 percent dependent on third countries — and that has to change. Clear signals and support from policymakers are needed to make that happen. This is essential for securing our prosperity — and it is in the interests of the German automotive industry and the German economy as a whole.“
Mirco Wojnarowicz,
Mirco Wojnarowicz, CEO Rock Tech Lithium
“The e-mobility sector is a key part of the European clean technology industry and is becoming increasingly competitive. That is why we need political and regulatory certainty to support the investment and continued growth of the sector for the benefit of the customers and the European industry. We need bold, unwavering commitment and certainty from our politicians to ensure the future remains bright for the EV transition.”
Michael Halbherr,
Michael Halbherr, CEO ABB
"The EU’s 2035 target to end sales of new combustion cars was a turning point. It gave clarity to industry, direction to investors and certainty to consumers. Weakening it now would send the opposite signal: that Europe can be talked out of its own commitments. That would not only harm the climate; it would harm Europe’s ability to compete.”
Michael Lohscheller
Michael LohschellerCEO, Polestar
“As providers of essential charging infrastructure, we urge the EU to stand firm on the 2035 car CO₂ targets. Any deviation puts at risk the very investment flows that underpin the electrification of our mobility systems—not only destabilising economic confidence, but also undermining Europe’s credibility in the global energy transition.”
Daniel Perez
Daniel PerezCEO, Zunder
"The 2035 objective must remain: 100% electric vehicles are the only viable solution to ensure Europe’s competitiveness, energy independence, and climate goals. What we need now is political clarity and determination. Europe must stand firm in its commitments, provide confidence to investors and citizens, and accelerate the transition to zero-emission mobility. The opportunity is here, the momentum is real, and hesitation is not an option."
Stefano Terranova
Stefano TerranovaCEO, Atlante
"Players cannot secure investments and build an industry that is competitive globally without a reliable and predictable policy framework. Keeping the target in place will enable the debates to focus on how, not if.”
Eric Plaquet
Eric PlaquetCEO, Gireve
"A clear 2035 zero-emission target is not a burden but a catalyst for innovation and global competitiveness. Europe must stay committed to its course. Uncertainty is the real threat to our industry."
Eduard Schlutius,
Eduard Schlutius, CEO REEV
“I am proudly European and determined that we, Europeans, win the electrification race. Like many other companies, Driveco is investing hundreds of millions to build a resilient, customer-friendly charging network, but this will only succeed if Europe stands united behind battery-electric vehicles and does not dilute its ambition with alternatives.”
Ion Leahu-Aluas
Ion Leahu-Aluas CEO, Driveco
"Seismic shifts are taking place in geopolitics, technology, and society. We cannot hide but must take charge of them. Despite the naysayers, Europe has a strategy to electrify our economy and road transport and it is working. Our shareholders invested under this framework and we require that clarity and stability to continue to deploy and grow. Consumers require this clarity to confidently go electric too. Now is the time to refocus our efforts to win the race toward electrification and reap its many benefits."
Peter Badik
Peter BadikFounder, Greenway
“As a continent, Europe must take leadership – by committing to clean mobility and optimizing the charging experience for a seamless end-to-end solution.”
Christian Hahn,
Christian Hahn, CEO Hubject
“Maintaining the current 2035 target is both achievable and crucial for climate neutrality by 2050, for the prosperity of our economies and the whole e-mobility ecosystem and for the European energy sovereignty.”
Jean-Philippe Laurent
Jean-Philippe Laurent Senior VP Strategy & Development, EDF France
"The mindset we need today is not defensive adaptation but proactive leadership - a growth mindset both in industry and in policy alike. That means taking decisive actions to sustain and drive EV demand and to accelerate the transition to electric mobility in Europe."
Michiel Langezaal
Michiel LangezaalCEO, Fastned
“IONITY and the entire charging industry are investing billions in Germany’s economy and in the future of electric mobility. But this future will only succeed if Europe maintains clear and reliable framework conditions. Electric mobility becomes more affordable and accessible the more people drive electric. What we need now is a clear commitment to the CO₂ targets and smart incentives that accelerate progress and build trust.”
Jeroen van Tilburg,
Jeroen van Tilburg, CEO IONITY
“Germany and Europe must take long-term, strategic action. We need the mobility transition as part of the overall energy transition. And for the electric age, Germany and Europe need a regional battery and lithium supply chain. That's what we're working on every day at Rock Tech Lithium. We are still almost 100 percent dependent on third countries — and that has to change. Clear signals and support from policymakers are needed to make that happen. This is essential for securing our prosperity — and it is in the interests of the German automotive industry and the German economy as a whole.“
Mirco Wojnarowicz,
Mirco Wojnarowicz, CEO Rock Tech Lithium
“The e-mobility sector is a key part of the European clean technology industry and is becoming increasingly competitive. That is why we need political and regulatory certainty to support the investment and continued growth of the sector for the benefit of the customers and the European industry. We need bold, unwavering commitment and certainty from our politicians to ensure the future remains bright for the EV transition.”
Michael Halbherr,
Michael Halbherr, CEO ABB
"The EU’s 2035 target to end sales of new combustion cars was a turning point. It gave clarity to industry, direction to investors and certainty to consumers. Weakening it now would send the opposite signal: that Europe can be talked out of its own commitments. That would not only harm the climate; it would harm Europe’s ability to compete.”
Michael Lohscheller
Michael LohschellerCEO, Polestar
“As providers of essential charging infrastructure, we urge the EU to stand firm on the 2035 car CO₂ targets. Any deviation puts at risk the very investment flows that underpin the electrification of our mobility systems—not only destabilising economic confidence, but also undermining Europe’s credibility in the global energy transition.”
Daniel Perez
Daniel PerezCEO, Zunder
"The 2035 objective must remain: 100% electric vehicles are the only viable solution to ensure Europe’s competitiveness, energy independence, and climate goals. What we need now is political clarity and determination. Europe must stand firm in its commitments, provide confidence to investors and citizens, and accelerate the transition to zero-emission mobility. The opportunity is here, the momentum is real, and hesitation is not an option."
Stefano Terranova
Stefano TerranovaCEO, Atlante
"Players cannot secure investments and build an industry that is competitive globally without a reliable and predictable policy framework. Keeping the target in place will enable the debates to focus on how, not if.”
Eric Plaquet
Eric PlaquetCEO, Gireve
"A clear 2035 zero-emission target is not a burden but a catalyst for innovation and global competitiveness. Europe must stay committed to its course. Uncertainty is the real threat to our industry."
Eduard Schlutius,
Eduard Schlutius, CEO REEV
“I am proudly European and determined that we, Europeans, win the electrification race. Like many other companies, Driveco is investing hundreds of millions to build a resilient, customer-friendly charging network, but this will only succeed if Europe stands united behind battery-electric vehicles and does not dilute its ambition with alternatives.”
Ion Leahu-Aluas
Ion Leahu-Aluas CEO, Driveco
"Seismic shifts are taking place in geopolitics, technology, and society. We cannot hide but must take charge of them. Despite the naysayers, Europe has a strategy to electrify our economy and road transport and it is working. Our shareholders invested under this framework and we require that clarity and stability to continue to deploy and grow. Consumers require this clarity to confidently go electric too. Now is the time to refocus our efforts to win the race toward electrification and reap its many benefits."
Peter Badik
Peter BadikFounder, Greenway
“As a continent, Europe must take leadership – by committing to clean mobility and optimizing the charging experience for a seamless end-to-end solution.”
Christian Hahn,
Christian Hahn, CEO Hubject

WHY TAKE CHARGE?

The road ahead is electric. Europe must be in the driver’s seat.

#TakeChargeEU is a coalition of more than 200 companies across Europe’s EV value chain. Together, we are calling on Europe to keep the 2035 zero-emission target firm and to back it with the policies needed to make it real.

Our message is clear:

Build the next generation of vehicles, batteries, and infrastructure here at home.

This campaign is about economic resilience as much as environmental progress – creating future-proof jobs, securing European supply chains, strengthening consumer choice, and delivering cleaner, better products for families and communities across the continent.

Jobs + Industry 2
Jobs + Industry 2
Global Competition 2
Global Competition 2
Energy Security 2
Energy Security 2

Why now?

Europe is at a turning point.

The world is racing towards electric mobility — one in four cars sold this year already has a plug, and by 2030 nearly half will. The question is not if this transition happens, but where it happens. And who will lead it.

The 2035 zero-emission target is Europe’s foundation for leadership. Now policymakers need to back it up with stronger industrial and demand policies, to make sure Europe can win the next industrial revolution.

Delaying or weakening the target risks losing jobs, factories, and innovation to global competitors. Moving forward with clarity and boldness secures Europe’s competitiveness, energy security, and better choices for people.

The next industrial revolution is happening now; this is Europe’s moment to lead it and Take Charge.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

#TakeChargeEU highlights four reasons why Europe must act:

Global Competitiveness

Europe has the talent, innovation and technology to lead. But only with clear rules and ambition.

One in four cars sold globally this year already has a plug: The world is going electric.

  • Clear, stable targets (like the 2035 zero-emission target) keep investment, innovation, and production in Europe so the next generation of mobility is built here, not elsewhere.
  • Delays send the signal — and the value — abroad.
  • Europe’s engineers, innovators, and supply chains are ready; what’s needed is confidence and direction.

Jobs & Industrial Investment

The e-mobility transition is creating secure, future-proof jobs across Europe.
Europe’s electric vehicle transition has already created 150,000 new jobs in vehicles, batteries, and charging.
  • New investment means work for welders, engineers, technicians, and apprentices – and renewed purpose for whole towns.
  • With the right policies, Europe keeps these jobs here instead of losing them abroad.
  • The transition is about protecting existing jobs and creating thousands more that last.

Energy Security

E-mobility reduces dependence on imported oil and strengthens Europe’s energy security.
Europe’s electric cars saved 66 million barrels of oil in 2023. By 2035 they will save 2 million barrels a day.
  • Every EV powered by European renewables makes us less reliant on volatile global oil markets.
  • Cutting fossil fuel imports keeps billions in Europe, instead of sending them overseas.
  • Clean mobility protects households from energy price shocks and makes our economy more resilient.

Better Products for People

Cleaner and smarter mobility isn’t a compromise. It’s an upgrade.

3 out of 4 new cars sold in Europe are already cheaper when electric.

  • Electric cars are smoother, quieter, safer, and cheaper to run.
  • Drivers who switch to electric rarely go back, because the experience is simply better.
  • The 2035 zero-emission target ensures Europeans get access to the best cars, faster.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Isn’t the 2035 target too ambitious?

No. The world is already moving fast: one in four cars sold this year has a plug, and by 2030 it will be nearly half. In China, 1 in 2 cars is already electric, and Norway is already approaching 100%. Front-running EU countries like Denmark and Belgium are catching up fast. Europe has the talent, technology, and supply chains to lead, but only if we provide clarity now. Ambition keeps investment here. Delay sends it abroad.

Source: IEA, Bloomberg

It will create new jobs to support Europe’s transition, especially if Europe delivers a stronger industrial strategy alongside its 2035 target. Europe’s transition to electric cars has already created 150,000 new local jobs in battery production, charging, construction, electrical work, maintenance, grid upgrades, and more. And massive reskilling programmes are ongoing for the existing workforce. But other regions, especially China, have moved faster on electric cars and their supply chains. Europe is yet to reach its full new jobs potential, while its traditional automotive sector is having a challenging adaptation to much wider structural global shifts. Without the 2035 target, we risk losing the future job opportunities from electric vehicles to competitors abroad, which would be the worst outcome for Europe. 

Source: ChargeUp Europe, Transport+Energy, EVBoosters, Le Monde, AP News

EVs are becoming more affordable every year. They are already cheaper to run and maintain, and by the end of this decade, most models will be cheaper to own overall. Families shouldn’t have to choose between clean air and affordability – the e-mobility transition delivers both.

Source: Charge France, World Economic Forum, International Energy Agency, Wired, The Guardian

No. It’s about giving people better options, faster. Once people make the switch to cleaner mobility, they rarely go back, because the experience is smoother, safer, and more affordable. The 2035 target ensures the best technologies of the future are built here in Europe and available to everyone.

Source: The Guardian, EVA England – The Great EV Charging Survey

Battery electric is the clearest, most efficient solution for passenger cars. Alternatives like e-fuels may play a role in aviation or shipping – and at most very niche automotive uses – but for everyday cars, EVs are cheaper, cleaner, and ready now. Plug-in hybrids are important bridge technologies, but they emit 3x more CO2 and cost consumers more. Technology neutrality should not mean delaying the inevitable.

Technology neutrality was appropriate in the early development stage, but with 11 million EVs on EU roads proving their success, we are beyond R&D and into deployment. At this stage, Europe must commit decisively rather than spread efforts across many technologies.

If Europe lags in electrification, it will fall behind in software-defined vehicles too, but this can be avoided by prioritising electrification now.

 

Source: The ICCT

To date, China has moved faster on electrification, batteries, and software – but Europe can still reclaim its own leadership. Our engineers, innovators, and supply chains are all world-class, while our single market and regulatory stability are investment assets. With clear rules and bolder industrial policies, Europe can lead its next chapter of clean mobility and keep the value at home, instead of deepening dependencies.

Furthermore, failing to keep pace in electrification will also mean Europe isn’t competitive on the next generation of software defined vehicles, locking us into a deepening cycle of being behind. But this can be addressed, by focusing on the electrification race, today.

 
Not if we act now. New industrial projects, including battery plants and clean technology supply chains are already being built across Europe. With the right policy support, Europe can secure more local production and reduce reliance on imports, within wider integrated global value chains.

Source: ChargeUp Europe

When a deadline is set, some shifts in the market are normal. What matters is that clear rules give industry time to prepare. With the right policies — like incentives for EVs, scrappage schemes, and support to make EVs affordable sooner — the transition can be smooth. That means steady demand, no sudden shocks for factories or workers, and time for communities to adapt. Without clear deadlines, investment slows and uncertainty actually creates more instability.

Source: ICCT