Electrification is presented as a solution for future-proofing the European car manufacturing industry, reducing the transport sector’s emissions and providing a storage instrument for intermittent renewable electricity. However, the scaling-up and deployment of electric vehicles presents challenges, such as adapting the electricity grid, transitioning towards more renewable sources of energy, or addressing gaps in the charging infrastructure. The EU can provide certainty and incentives for transforming the sector. Examples include EU legislation on air pollution, CO2 emission standards for cars and light duty vehicles, clean mobility requirements for public procurement tendering, and incentives for developing battery cell manufacturing in Europe via “Battery alliance”. However, considering the slow pace of penetration of electric vehicles in the EU’s transport sector, it is clear that more needs to be done if electricity is to be the fuel of choice. This Policy Dialogue discussed the role of the EU, its member states and other stakeholders in transforming the transport sector.

Speakers included: Marco Giuli, Policy Analyst, European Policy Centre, Alain Van Gaever, Policy Officer e-Mobility, DG Mobility and Transport, European Commission, Annika Hedberg, Senior Policy Analyst, European Policy Centre, Christos Kolokathis, Associate, Regulatory Assistance Project, Antoine Aslanides, Innovation Director, EDF, Dimitri Vergne, Senior Sustainable Transport Officer, BEUC - The European Consumer Organisation.