Europe’s push toward electrification is increasingly facing resistance, with growing calls from parts of the automotive sector to soften or delay transition targets.
The article argued strongly that the EU must resist “extreme forces” attempting to slow EV adoption, particularly as global competition intensifies and China continues to accelerate.
European manufacturers face very different conditions to China:
- Different supply chains
- Different labour models
- Different investment structures
- And far less direct state support
But the panel also warned against becoming overly defensive about Chinese involvement, noting that global collaboration is already deeply embedded in the industry.
The EV Café takeaway
The transition may be messy and politically uncomfortable, but slowing down now risks losing momentum entirely.
“China managed it, but it’s just not as simple as that.” Sarah Sloman
“You don’t have the supply chain, you don’t have the staff, you don’t have the top-down culture, you don’t have the fiscal stimulus that they’ve had.” Sarah Sloman
“European businesses can benefit from manufacturing in China, and to be anti it is a mistake.” Sarah Sloman
“Chinese brands will very soon not be Chinese brands at all.” John Curtis