ACEA

The electrification of the automobile

• Electric vehicles promise many benefits for our towns and cities, such as zero tailpipe emissions, and manufacturers are paving the way for the electrification of the automobile. However, significant investment by a variety of players will be necessary to ensure barriers to market acceptance are tackled and to realise all-electric motoring’s potential.
• Vehicle manufacturers will continue to work with battery suppliers on issues like energy density, durability and recharge times. They will also contribute actively to discussions on technical regulations such as standardisation of in-vehicle recharging points.
• Consumers must be confident in the availability and convenience of recharging facilities. A comprehensive recharging infrastructure is needed and points must be standardised across Europe.
• Cleaner vehicles incentives should be technology neutral and based on clear environmental gains.
• CO2-based taxation systems benefit electric vehicle owners with lower taxes. Concessions like reduced parking charges are also available in some cities.
• Fact-based consumer campaigns should emphasise the financial and environmental benefits of all-electric motoring. However, they should also be clear on the technical and practical challenges ahead.
• While electric vehicles emit no emissions in-use, CO2 is generated at source. More renewable electricity generation will automatically improve the well-to-wheel advantages of electric vehicles.

More information

• EUCAR: The Electrification of the Vehicle and the Urban Transport System - Recommendations on key R&D by the European Automotive Manufacturers
• ACEA comments on the EU Project on Transport GHG: Routes to 2050?
• Increasing number of incentives for buying electric vehicles
• Interview with ACEA Secretary General Ivan Hodac on electric vehicles

last updated 06/10/2009

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