European electric carmakers are telling governments that they must help

European carmakers are urging governments across Europe to help build electric vehicle charging stations and to provide consumer subsidies to boost sales of battery-powered vehicles, as well as to help industry comply with the stringent new emission rules.

German carmakers accelerate plans to launch electric vehicles following increased pressure from EU mandate to reduce CO2 emissions by 37.5% between 2021 and 2030, which comes immediately after 40% emissions reductions between 2007 and 2021 .

At this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, industry executives warned that new EU rules could be disastrous for profits and jobs, as most major consumers do not buy electric cars. Instead, buyers choose larger SUVs.

“Our industry is eager to move as fast as possible toward zero-emission mobility. But this transition is a shared responsibility,” said PSA Group Chief Executive Carlos Tavares, and president of European auto industry association ACEA. “It requires a 360 degrees approach.”

“Governments across the EU need to match the increasing pace at which we are launching these cars by dramatically stepping up investments in infrastructure. Moreover, they also have to put in place sustainable purchase incentives that are consistent across the EU,” Tavares said.