Europe accelerates towards electric cars…and Spain puts on the brakes

European regulatory framework and targets for 2035

of european regulations Since then establish it January 1, 2035 All new passenger cars and van type vehicles must meet the following conditions: zero emissionsThis means the end of sales of cars with gasoline, diesel, and even hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines. This policy is Decarbonization strategy The field of road transport in the European Union.

he Achieving this objective This requires more than an engine change. deep transformation of automotive industrythe energy sector, charging networks and associated value chains.

Spain’s situation compared to other European countries

a recent analysis teeth, nordic countries (Norway, Sweden, Finland, etc.) Already shown Registration fee Electric vehicle penetration is expected to exceed 80% and reach 100% by 2035, but Spain will still only have about 39% as of the same date.

According to research, Spain will reach 20% Of the net electricity sales in 2029, 50% in 2037 and 100% in 2049. This will place the country 14 years late Our goal is 2035.

Main regional differences

• of nordic countries Combining the high current share of electricity, solid incentives and A well-deployed cargo net.
• among them southern europedependence on heat engines, and vulnerable infrastructure They slow down the transition. Spain and Italy are the most obvious examples.
• in Central and Eastern EuropeThe outlook for some countries is more limited, with estimates in some cases falling below 10%.

100% zero-emission vehicle goal by 2035 #european union and #England Achieving this will require policies and incentives.

Estimates for 2035 show that #BEV Adoption remains uneven, according to #map!#RepowerEU #Europe + #EFTA and #Turkiye

By data @leraffl 🔗https://t.co/Fm5MxQ3K5l pic.twitter.com/qrb1sHJAHa

— Troels Christensen (@tc_thrane) November 5, 2025

Factors explaining Spain’s lag

incentives and public policy

The speed of arrival is 100% electric Depends on several factors. direct public assistance, Tax incentivescharging penetration and competition with thermal vehicles. In Spain, aid and regulation have not yet reached the intensity or coherence of countries leading the transition.

Charging and deployment infrastructure

of charging network plays a decisive role. The most advanced country is Wide range of charging points and good environment For electric car buyers. Spain has a gap in this sense. consumer barriers And then to the manufacturer.

Market and consumer habits

The Spanish car market still shows a heavy dependence on cars. thermal car Or a hybrid. It takes change of mind and Competitiveness of electric models Accelerate adoption.

Impact of Spanish delays

If the goal of ~ cannot be achieved 100% electrical registration 2035 comes with some risks.

• Decline in competitiveness Spain’s automotive industry in a new era of electric mobility.
• Possible not being able to achieve goals Reduce emissions in line with European and national commitments.
• High opportunity cost: The slower the transition, the more intensive the investment required in infrastructure and the higher the cost of change.

Exchange with other fields

Reduced transport electrification indirectly leads to delays Decarbonization in other fieldsWhen generating Increasing demand for fossil energywhich could increase overall costs and weaken heating and industrial progress. This mechanism has been analyzed in academic studies that warn that: cost of delay Towards decarbonization of transportation.

What should happen to change the tide?

To speed up the process and get closer to your goals 2035 goalsSpain needs to strengthen the following elements:

The importance of public-private collaboration

of Intergovernmental cooperationhe private sector, industry and users It will become essential. Forcing a calendar isn’t enough. You need an ecosystem to support your calendar. The leading countries have already been building their alliances for years.

of Transition to electric mobility In Spain, it is at a crossroads. If this pace does not accelerate, this country will 2035 target cannot be achievedbut they are left behind. new global car economy.