Ford has joined a growing number of companies in petitioning the EU to ensure that all new cars and vans in Europe are zero emission from 2035. The brand, which currently only offers the Mustang Mach-E and eTransit in all-electric form, is also calling for targets to grow electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Europe

The companies are appealing to European Union decision-makers to enact legislations that establish clear vehicle standards, enabling conditions and a timeline to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles. 

Ford says that removing fossil fuel burning vehicles from the road is imperative for Europe reaching its goal of net zero emissions by 2050, and to help avoid the worst impacts of climate change on people and the planet. This includes enacting legislation that establishes standards and a clear timeline for the industry and suppliers to follow, to ensure the transition to electric vehicles.

The EU is currently deciding on new clean car rules, following a proposal by the EU Commission – supported by the companies making the appeal – that only zero-emission new cars and vans can be sold EU-wide from 2035. The European Parliament and EU governments will decide their positions in June, with the final law expected to be adopted in autumn.

The Mustang Mach-E is currently Ford's only offering in the electric car sector

Despite being relatively late to the electric vehicle market, the blue oval brand has ambitious plans for its European line-up. It claims to be readying a new generation of seven, all-electric, passenger vehicles and vans, all of which will be on sale in Europe by 2024. Ford will use Volkswagen’s MEB all-electric platform to develop at least two passenger cars and will develop its own platform for other new models. 

Commenting on the petition, Stuart Rowley, chair, Ford of Europe said: “At Ford in Europe, we believe that freedom of movement goes hand-in-hand with caring for our planet and each other,” said Stuart Rowley, chair, Ford of Europe. “That’s why we are targeting all Ford vehicles to be zero emission by 2035. To successfully achieve this, EU policymakers must also establish mandatory national targets for a seamless electric charging infrastructure that lives up to the growing demand for electric vehicles.”​

E-Transit will spearhead Ford's commercial vehicle ambitions. It will be followed by a new eTransit Custom