Car manufacturers advocate for seven essential conditions to meet carbon emissions goals for light passenger vehicles
The European Commission and member states are taking significant steps to promote the electrification of vehicles and decarbonise public fleets.
In a bid to compare best practices from national electrification schemes, a high-level event is being organised to discuss different implementation timelines. This event aims to provide valuable insights and foster collaboration among nations as they strive towards a greener future.
The Clean Vehicles Directive is identified as a unique tool to accelerate the greening of public fleets and boost market development. Public authorities are encouraged to lead by example in decarbonising their vehicles. An implementation report on the Directive is due, and a review of the Directive is being conducted to boost the e-mobility of public fleets.
The Commission is also focusing on ensuring a sufficient supply of critical raw materials and batteries, which are essential for the production of electric vehicles. This concern is part of its trade diplomacy, as the Commission presents a roadmap for critical raw materials to secure a steady supply.
In response to the US Inflation Reduction Act, ACEA, the European automobile manufacturers' association, has called for a robust response model to retain investments in clean technology within Europe. The EU lacks a comprehensive response to the US act's incentives for clean technology investments, and ACEA urges the Commission to initiate a structured dialogue with other global players.
ACEA believes that getting the enabling conditions right would unleash massive additional investments in zero-emission technologies. The main obstacle holding the industry back is the lack of enabling conditions for zero-emission vehicles. To address this, the Commission should provide clear guidance on funding opportunities currently underexploited by member states and the industry for recharging and refuelling infrastructure.
The Commission is also developing a blueprint for taxation schemes to accelerate electrification in line with CO2 and corporate fleet targets. The greening of corporate fleets is expected to stimulate market development, with careful assessment of any regulatory initiatives affecting the new and second-hand markets.
To further accelerate the decarbonisation of light-duty vehicles, ACEA has outlined seven actions, including the 2025 and 2030 CO2 reduction targets. ACEA has already invested €250 billion in electrification towards achieving CO2 reduction targets for light-duty vehicles.
The Commission should also revisit the smart and better regulation agenda, which was downgraded under the current mandate. Consideration should be given to whether a Regulation (instead of a Directive) is needed to address diverging implementation levels across the EU for the greening of public fleets.
Lastly, the EU should provide dedicated funding for partnerships like the Automotive Skills Alliance (ASA) to facilitate upskilling and reskilling initiatives. The Commission should also develop a dedicated upskilling and reskilling agenda for the auto sector, coherent with other policy initiatives like the Pact for Skills, the European Battery Alliance (EBA) Academies, and the Net-Zero Academies.
Member states are encouraged to swiftly implement the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and ensure a robust monitoring system. The Commission should present a clear overview of the outcomes of the Fit for 55 package and assess the coherence of the whole package with its individual proposals.
These initiatives reflect the European Commission and member states' commitment to promoting green mobility and decarbonising their public fleets. By working together, they aim to boost the e-mobility market, secure a steady supply of critical raw materials, and create a more sustainable future for all.
