With the tightening of European rules on CO2 emissions, some car brands are already far from their targets. An NGO recently published data based on registrations from January, revealing significant disparities between manufacturers.
A significant challenge for manufacturers
Since January 1, 2025, the CAFE regulation imposes stricter limits on CO2 emissions for new vehicles registered in Europe. Brands that sell more electric cars benefit from an advantage to avoid penalties. Although the European Commission may grant some flexibilities, the gaps between manufacturers are already visible.
According to ICCT figures, Tesla, Volvo, BMW, Hyundai, and Kia are among the manufacturers most advanced in achieving their targets. Toyota and the Renault group are doing relatively well, but others like Stellantis, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Nissan, Suzuki, and Ford are lagging significantly. If these brands do not quickly readjust their strategy, they risk heavy fines.
The impact of strategic alliances
The ranking changes when analyzing the situation by brand alliances. By partnering, manufacturers can pool their performances to meet CO2 standards. Thus, by integrating Smart, Volvo, and Polestar, the share of electric vehicles in the Mercedes group rises to 24% in January 2025.
In contrast, Tesla, despite being a leader in electric vehicles, finds itself trailing in its pool, which includes Stellantis, Toyota, Ford, Mazda, and Subaru, with only 12% of sales in electric vehicles, compared to a European average of 16%.
Marked disparities by country
The adoption of electric vehicles varies greatly depending on the markets. Four countries exceed or reach 50% of registrations for electrified vehicles (100% electric and plug-in hybrids combined):
- Norway: 97%
- Denmark: 66%
- Sweden: 51%
- Netherlands: 50%
Behind them, Belgium (43%), Ireland (28%), and Germany (25%) remain above the European average, set at 24% in January 2025.
These initial figures confirm that the transition to electric is underway, but some manufacturers will need to accelerate if they want to avoid costly penalties.
