10/19/2022
When it comes to the switch to CO2-neutral transportation, people often talk about the number of e-drive or hydrogen-powered vehicles sold. For the transport revolution to succeed, users must also be able to recharge or refuel their vehicles quickly and easily.
Figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association acea show, however, that there are currently large regional differences when looking at the location and distance of EU charging stations for e-cars. The European Parliament therefore voted in Strasbourg at the beginning of October on its negotiating position for a regulation on alternative fuel infrastructure. The new rules are intended to promote charging stations on major European roads on a large scale and help make the EU carbon-neutral by 2050.
The goal is for cars to be able to charge every 60 km and refuel with hydrogen every 100 km, while ships will be supplied with shore power at ports. To achieve this, EU member states must invest more in expanding refueling and recharging stations for e-vehicles and ships. The Parliament already insisted on stricter directives in 2018 to make member states more accountable. The Commission then presented a proposal to improve national infrastructures for alternative power in 2021 in the "Fit for 55" package.
For consumers*, charging should become as straightforward as refueling and more user-friendly and affordable. It should also be possible to pay for alternative fuels as easily as for conventional fuels such as gasoline and diesel. From 2027, therefore, card payment should be possible at all newly built and renovated charging stations.
For cleaner shipping, the EU Transport Committee also proposes binding targets for reducing CO2 emissions in maritime transport.
Next steps: once the Parliament as a whole has approved the draft negotiating position at the October II plenary session, MEPs, will start talks with EU governments on the final shape of the legislation.
For more information, see here .
Source: European Parliament
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