The current policy of forced-market electrification of the automobile could destroy up to half a million jobs by 2040 in the EU among OEMs, according to a study published on Monday by the European Association of Suppliers automobiles (CLEPA).
This work commissioned from consultants at PwC Strategy & "highlights the risks of an exclusively electric vehicle approach to the jobs of hundreds of thousands of people," said CLEPA General Secretary Sigrid de Vries, quoted in a statement.
It calls for this social impact to be taken into account in public policies.
A strengthening of the European electricity sector is necessary
Electrification could also allow new recruitments, especially in software, manufacturing and assembly of battery cells, according to this study, which would reduce the net loss of jobs to 275,000.
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But this presupposes the creation of a competitive European battery industry against Asian champions, and new activities will not necessarily be located in the same regions or the same companies, underlines the Brussels-based lobby.
Businesses demand "a regulatory framework"
The European Commission proposed in July draft legislation that plans to reduce CO2 emissions from new cars in the EU to zero from 2035, which would de facto stop sales of gasoline and diesel vehicles to this country. date (including hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions) in favor of only 100% electric engines.
The association of European equipment manufacturers brings together 3,000 companies which employ 5 million people, including heavyweights in the sector such as Bosch, Faurecia, Schaeffler, Valeo or ZF.
These companies, although committed to the electrification of automotive powertrains, are calling for "a regulatory framework open to all available solutions, such as the use of hybrid technologies, green hydrogen and sustainable renewable fuels".
Less agility among OEMs
They ensure that they are able to reconcile the preservation of employment and the reduction of CO2 emissions, necessary to fight against climate change.
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“While automakers have a greater ability to divest or relocate businesses to compensate for lost powertrain business, auto OEMs can respond with much less agility because they are linked by long-term contracts with car manufacturers, ”says the association, which also represents“ hundreds of specialized companies and SMEs ”.