“Europe plays a key role in accelerating the transition to electric mobility”

To begin, can you tell us about T&E mission?

Transport & Environment (T&E) leading environmental NGO at the European level dedicated to clean transportation. Our main mission is the decarbonisation of various transport modes: cars, heavy goods vehicles, aviation, maritime and rail transport. Our main lever of action is advocacy, aimed at convincing the various transport actors as well as political decision-makers, both at the European level and at the national level, via our national branches.

What are, in your opinion, the main political and regulatory levers available to europe to accelerate the transition to electric mobility?

Europe plays a key role in accelerating the transition to electric mobility thanks to its political and regulatory levers. By acting on the common market, European regulations directly impact nearly 500 million citizens, thus constituting a powerful mechanism of influence.

The European Green Deal, often underestimated, marks a decisive step. It offers clear direction to the automotive industry, which was in great need after falling behind. This pact also establishes a plan and trajectory for the decarbonisation of the European economy..

The regulation on CO2 emissions from light vehicles, known in France as CAFE, is the main driver of this transition. It sets emission limits for new vehicles, thus encouraging manufacturers to increase the proportion of electric vehicles in their sales. This regulation works in five-year increments, establishing progressive objectives. Although a slowdown in sales is observed in 2024, due to the approach of the end of the target period, a new dynamic is expected in 2025. The introduction of more ambitious targets encourages manufacturers to launch more affordable models to meet demand and future standards. About ten electric models under 25,000 euros, and produced in Europe, are expected as early as next year.

Among other important levers, we can mention the deployment of charging infrastructure and industrial policies aimed at supporting local production in Europe.

The end of sales of cars and vans with internal combustion engines by 2035 is a major step. What other support or incentive measures are needed to achieve this goal?

First, it is crucial that politicians and industrialists commit firmly and clearly to the goal of 100% zero-emission new vehicles in 2035. Et la très grande majorité de ceux-ci sont par ailleurs parfaitement engagés dans cette transition. Going back on this objective would result in evaporating the billions of euros of investments made in Europe on electric cars, batteries, charging networks etc.
Beyond existing regulations, other actions are necessary, including a green industrial plan to complement the Green Deal as well as a major investment plan favouring local production in Europe.

Then, there is the issue of charging, which is a fundamental point to accelerate the transition to clean vehicles.

On this subject, how can Europe improve its charging infrastructure to support the rise of electric vehicles?

Today, there are already two regulations that address the issue of charging, within the Green Deal: AFIR for public charging and EPBD – the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive – part of which deals with the deployment of charging infrastructure in co-owned properties.

The next step will be the translation of these regulations into national objectives by Member States. They will have to develop ambitious and coherent plans.

As we see it, four priorities are essential:
Firstly, creating favourable market conditions for rapid growth, in other words, simplifying obligations and financing to strengthen healthy competition between actors.

Secondly, filling the gaps in the motorway network by 2025. While France is well covered, countries like Italy, Spain or Eastern European countries still have a way to go. This is an essential step to give confidence to users.

Thirdly, it is essential to look at the development of private charging, particularly in collective buildings. Currently, there is a lack of specific policies to address this issue. A promising approach would be to develop a “right to plug”, as in France.

Finally, a major challenge is simplifying and accelerating the procedures for connecting to the electric grid. It is important to aim for harmonisation of these processes at the European level. This uniformisation would reduce delays and administrative complexities, thus facilitating the rapid and efficient deployment of charging infrastructure in all member countries.
These actions will create a solid ecosystem to support the transition to electromobility in Europe.

What are the main barriers to massive adoption of electric vehicles in Europe, and how does T&E propose to overcome them?

Currently, the main barrier to massive adoption of electric vehicles in Europe is their price, mainly linked to manufacturers’ strategies. Our studies show that there is a disconnection between supply and demand. . Manufacturers favour sales of large vehicles, which are more profitable, while demand for affordable electric vehicles is very high.

This situation is explained by the regulatory standard thresholds. Between 2021 and 2024, manufacturers do not need to make additional efforts to sell electric vehicles. They therefore focus on high-margin electric SUVs. Consequence: the average price of models has increased by 39% since 2015, while in China, prices have halved.

Fortunately, next year, with the new regulatory thresholds, manufacturers will have to increase the share of electric vehicles sold and therefore offer cheaper models. This is essential, as our surveys show that about 25% of consumers are interested in affordable electric vehicles under 25,000 euros. The risk is that this delay exposes European manufacturers to Chinese competition.

Regarding the charging network, although its deployment is progressing, there remains a perceptual challenge to overcome. Non-users of electric vehicles often overestimate the need for charging stations or the need for autonomy, which underlines the importance of continuing to develop the infrastructure while educating the public on real needs.

What levers of competitiveness against Asian and Chinese vehicles?

Faced with Asian and Chinese competition, Europe has several levers to maintain its competitiveness in the electric vehicle sector.
It is essential to develop a global and integrated approach. This involves not only supporting battery production, but also investing in the entire value chain, from raw material refining to extraction, including battery recycling.

The next European Commission should look at a major investment plan ncluding support for the industry to accomplish this transition. It is important not to remain naive in the face of massive subsidies granted by China and the United States to their respective industries.

By adopting this holistic approach, can not only remain competitive, but also become a global leader in sustainable electric vehicle production, while creating jobs and strengthening its strategic autonomy.

What are T&E’s next objectives for the coming years in terms of electric mobility, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Our priority is to firmly maintain existing objectives in the face of political pressures to relax or cancel them. . We strongly oppose calls from some political parties who wish to reverse the scheduled end of combustion vehicles and CO2 reduction targets for manufacturers.

We also aim to put in place the full range of regulations and investments necessary to ensure the success of this transition. This includes developing charging infrastructure and strengthening the entire value chain.

Another determining objective is to develop a framework promoting European competitiveness. This is for our jobs, our resilience and our strategic autonomy. Local production will also allow us to better control the environmental and social conditions of manufacture.

Finally, we are working on developing a European framework to stimulate the sale and production of smaller, more affordable electric vehicles. Two key initiatives are underway: the introduction of a European eco-score and the development of social leasing. The European eco-score we propose aims to harmonise the various existing national initiatives. It would take into account the entire life cycle of the vehicle, from its production to its recycling, including its use. This tool would not only encourage the production of smaller and more energy-efficient vehicles, but also favour local production in Europe, where environmental standards are generally stricter. As for social leasing, a French innovation, it is generating great interest in many European countries. This measure would offer the most disadvantaged households access to electric vehicles, thus bringing a dimension of social equity to this transition.

To achieve these objectives, we will intensify our advocacy efforts with European and national institutions. We also plan to launch targeted awareness campaigns to mobilise public support for these critical initiatives for the future of electric mobility in Europe.