EU Risks 1 Million Auto Jobs by Abandoning 2035 EV Target

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The future of Europe's automotive sector hangs in balance as a new study reveals keeping the EU's 2035 zero-emission car target could save 1 million jobs.

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What would happen if Europe abandons its clean car goals? T&E's research paints a stark picture: €90 billion economic loss and 1 million automotive jobs at risk.

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The numbers tell a compelling story: maintaining the 2035 target could help Europe's car production reach 16.8 million vehicles annually – matching post-2008 financial crisis peak levels.

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European automakers face a perfect storm: high home costs, fierce Chinese competition, and Trump's 25% tariffs have forced many to withdraw their 2025 forecasts.

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"It's a make or break moment for Europe's automotive industry," warns Julia Poliscanova from T&E, highlighting the global race to lead EV production.

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Where would new jobs come from? While traditional manufacturing positions decline, over 100,000 new battery factory jobs by 2030 and 120,000 in charging infrastructure by 2035 could offset losses.

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Europe's battery ambitions hang in the balance too: over 50 planned "gigafactories" requiring €170 billion investment could lose two-thirds of funding if zero-emission goals weaken.

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Despite industry pressure, the EU has maintained its ban on fossil-fuel car sales by 2035, though some earlier CO2 targets were softened after lobbying.

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For consumers, there's a silver lining: research suggests battery-powered cars will become cheaper than gasoline or diesel vehicles by 2028 in Europe.

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The study recommends Europe maintain emission targets, support battery production, improve charging networks, and strengthen worker training to navigate this transition successfully.

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