The European Union plans to introduce a new class of small electric cars with the "Made in Europe" label to help domestic manufacturers cope with strong Chinese competition.
These vehicles would enjoy special privileges, including the right to preferential parking, lighter rules, and greater subsidies.
This new, all-electric category is part of a broader package of measures aimed at easing pressure on the European car industry, which is facing a flood of low-priced Chinese electric vehicles, US tariffs and falling demand. Vehicles that meet the criteria – made in Europe and under a certain weight – would have access to reserved parking spaces and dedicated charging infrastructure.
They would also be exempted for ten years from future new regulations, such as safety rules and Euro 7 emissions standards, starting in 2026. With this, the Commission hopes to keep prices lower, as frequent changes to standards increase production costs.
The maximum weight is still being discussed, but according to informed sources, it is likely not to exceed 1.5 tons.
At the European Commission, this category of vehicles has been given the unofficial nickname “Sejournette,” according to the French industry commissioner, Stéphane Séjourné, who is overseeing the proposal.
The small car segment is one of the areas where European manufacturers continue to have an advantage over Chinese competitors, who have largely focused on larger electric models and plug-in hybrids.
Manufacturers such as Stellantis and Renault have long called for the creation of a new, more affordable category for small vehicles with lighter regulations that would allow for the profitable production of compact electric cars. At the same time, they are lobbying for the definition of this category to be broad enough to include existing small models such as the new Renault Twingo, Citroën ë-C3, or Volkswagen Golf.
The proposals for this new class of vehicle, inspired in part by Japanese "Kei" cars, come in parallel with the review of the decision to ban the sale of internal combustion engines from 2035.
The law, first proposed in 2021, is seen as a key element of the EU's climate goals, but has come under intense pressure from the car industry and right-wing politicians, who claim it pushes the sector too quickly towards full electrification. Fierce debates are taking place within the Commission ahead of the publication of the review on December 16.
Among the options being discussed is the possibility of allowing plug-in hybrids and range-extender vehicles to be sold for an additional five years. Another option is to lower the emissions reduction target to 90 percent by 2035, which would leave little room for further sales of internal combustion engines.
“This is not yet finalised,” an official said. The commission is also considering exemptions for “carbon-neutral” biofuels and e-fuels, but a final decision has not yet been made.
Some officials oppose the inclusion of plug-in hybrids, warning that China is already far ahead of European competitors in this technology. European Commission officials have declined to comment on the upcoming proposals. /Telegraph/
