When will you buy an electric car?

In April 2010, the Commission set out an ambitious strategy on clean and energy efficient vehicles.

The strategy builds on existing ongoing measures and sets out medium- to long-term actions. Its aim is to reduce the negative impact of road transport on the environment and enhance the competitiveness of European companies. Up to 40% of the energy consumed in Europe is for transport. New green technologies used in automotive industry could contribute considerably to the reduction of CO2 emissions.

However, research and development of green technologies must be supported and new standardization has to be agreed upon. The biggest challenge is to rethink the whole concept of transport and convince consumers to buy green vehicles. This is still a difficult task as the infrastructure (charging stations, grids, etc.) and compatibility of standards are missing. Stakeholders interested in electric cars gathered on 6th October during the Open Days 2010 to discuss the main challenges of the green technology sector.

The strategy on Clean and energy efficient vehicles adopted in April is being enforced by a series of actions including a preparatory meeting of HLG CARS 21. Giacomo MATTINÓ from DG Enterprise & Industry, announced at the event organized by CEBRE, CEZ Group and UEAPME that the strategy was only the first step and that more actions are to be taken.

This year, the Commission has proposed a regulation on type-approval of two- and three- wheelers while other measures aim to reinforce road security of electric vehicles. Member States will have the possibility to participate in European Sector Councils of Competences and use the European Social Fund to adopt the skills of employees of the automotive sector.

Andrea BENASSI of UEAPME, called on the Commission to simplify the access of SMEs to EU funding and to cut red tape.

David VALENTINY, Counsellor of Wallonia Economy Minister, presented priorities of Belgian presidency in the field of electric transport and stated that the automotive industry is a case study for energy challenges.

Tomáš CHMELÍK of CEZ Group, informed that CEZ is leading a project „E-Mobility“ with 70 Peugeot cars (under negotiation) aimed to create charging infrastructure in the Czech Republic and work on standardisation. He believes in 10-20% market penetration of electric cars by 2020. “Electric cars will bring a lot of opportunities” concluded MEP Giles Chichester.