Words of Members
Video series
In our video series "Words of Members", Platform members provide their perspectives on the coalition and vision for the electric mobility ecosystem
Platform members include EU-based industries and environmental NGOs across the whole value chain of electric mobility, across all land transport modes.
1/ Ivo Cré (POLIS) on the role of local authorities in the electric mobility transition.
Polis is an association of cities and regions working on urban mobility innovation. We’ve been with the platform from the start, also one of the founding members. We are, as a network, involved in the full cycle of electromobility innovation on the research side through our involvement in the 2zero platform, but also in the deployment side.
Cities and regions are essential stakeholders in the electromobility deployment. We buy a lot of vehicles. We set regulations for vehicles in our cities. We also are parking managers and parking means charging.
The Platform offers a unique environment to discuss policies on electromobility to make sure that electromobility does not lose its momentum in European policy. We are also convinced that the Platform is the right ecosystem to really keep electromobility in focus as a transformational technology.
We believe electromobility is a transformational technology because we don’t want a one-on-one replacement of one car by an electric car. We are interested to see the whole mobility system change. We look at shared mobility, at new forms of logistics in cities, at new forms of car use and car ownership.
Electromobility can be an essential part of that system overhaul and system change.
We will fight with the Platform to keep the 2035 deadline in European legislation. And a lot will have to happen to make that policy objective a reality. And we think that we as cities and regions, as procurers, as regulators,as asset owners also, we can really make a contribution to that mission.
2/ Nicolas Erb (Alstom) on Regulatory Stability Matters for European railway industry
Alstom is the European leader for railway equipment, trains from tramways to high speed, signalling, infrastructure and we deliver projects all around the globe thanks to our 85,000 colleagues.
Rail is the best in class in terms of environmental performance of all collective transport modes. And there is no way Europe will achieve its decarbonization targets without increasing the modal share of railway, be it for freight transport or passenger transport.
We call for regulatory stability because in our sector, projects have a very long life cycle. They take years to be prepared and several years to execute.
So any change in the regulatory framework that impacts ongoing projects creates a risk of additional cost, additional delays, which are ultimately detrimental for everyone.
This is why we have to make sure that our regulatory framework changes less frequently, and especially, and this is most important, that new regulatory requirements apply to new projects only.
Statement on the CO2 Standards ahead of the Strategic Dialogue with automotive industry
Statement
European clean transport industries urge EU to
stay the course on 2035 zero-emission car target
The members of the Platform for Electromobility reaffirm their strong support for the 2035 zero-emission targets for cars and vans, as adopted in 2023, ahead of the Strategic Dialogue with the automotive industry of the 12 September 2025 which might cover this legislation. We call for their persistent, robust and timely implementation for both Europe’s competitiveness in global competition and Europeans’ access to clean transport solutions.
Electrification is a global race. Europe cannot afford to fall behind. A clear and consistent regulatory path is vital to maintaining the competitiveness of Europe’s automotive industry and whole electromobility value chain, ensuring its ability to export high-value, future-proof technologies in a rapidly evolving global market.
A stable and effective regulatory framework is essential.
Europe’s clean tech industrial development needs long-term legal certainty. The current CO₂ Standards for cars and vans are not only instrumental in driving down emissions in line with climate targets, they also represent a cornerstone of the EU’s industrial policy. Stability in legislation is key to attract investment in the scale-up of clean technologies, the creation and expansion of manufacturing capacity, and the reskilling and upskilling of Europe’s workforce. Let’s not send a counterproductive signal to markets and investors at a critical time for Europe’s competitiveness.
Building a zero-emission transport system will require smart and diversified use of multiple transport modes. An unstable regulatory framework hampers long-term investment in multimodal solutions and infrastructure. Clear and ambitious targets provide certainty for investors and industry, helping the automotive and e-mobility value chain to plan ahead, scale production, and remain globally competitive while the transition to clean transport is accelerating worldwide.
BEVs are the driver of efficient and competitive decarbonisation.
Electric vehicles are the most energy-efficient individual transport mode. Energy efficiency in transport should be a central pillar of the EU’s energy transition, as it strengthens energy security, cuts costs for businesses and citizens, and reduces pressure on renewable energy deployment compared to alternative fuels solutions.
We strongly urge European lawmakers to reject the introduction of alternative fuels for cars and vans due to their inefficiency, high costs, and negative impact on industrial competitiveness, consumer protection, and air quality.
Let’s stay focused on the enablers of electrification.
Today, European policy should focus on the key drivers of electrification, rather than weakening existing legislation. These include: an ambitious Clean Corporate Fleet Regulation to be proposed later this year, which can further stimulate demand and set clear signals to the market; the implementation of AFIR as a key enablers for EV uptake for European consumers the mobilisation of EU funds to finance demand-side support mechanisms in Member States; coordination between automotive and energy sectors; and a broader policy framework to ensure affordable and clean energy for industries and consumers alike. On the production side, fostering innovation through smart regulation streamlining and setting the conditions to produce in Europe efficient and affordable EVs (such as by incentivising battery cells/modules made in Europe by rewarding each kWh produced) is key to powering the continent’s EV shift.
We trust that the Strategic Dialogue will serve to reinforce confidence in the EU’s regulatory direction and to support the full deployment of zero-emission mobility across the Union. The Dialogue is an opportunity to solve the genuine challenges our members face on the road to the 2035 target and to explore how to best seize the opportunities it offers.
“The Platform for Electromobility’s call is clear: stop disrupting investments by creating uncertainty and focus on the enabling conditions for industrial leadership along the e-mobility ecosystem to allow European clean tech industries to prosper – such as batteries. A stable regulatory framework is essential, as are concrete effective actions to support Europe’s electromobility value chain."
— Kinga Timaru-Kast, Chair of the Platform for Electromobility
[Video] "Let’s not change the course" - Industry calls for clarity
Supply & Industry
In a strong show of unity, ten industrial leaders of the Platform for Electromobility have come together at the start of this political year to deliver a single, clear message to European lawmakers: “let’s not change the course.”
The uncertainty surrounding recently agreed climate and industrial legislation – most notably the CO₂ Standards for cars and vans – poses a direct threat to investment in Europe. Without regulatory stability, the essential investments, innovations, and workforce upskilling in key sectors such as batteries are being delayed or put on hold. Meanwhile, global car sales figures confirm that the rest of the world is moving forward at speed. Europe cannot afford to be left behind or trapped in technological limbo.
This uncertainty also affects the wider ecosystem necessary for the transition: from charging networks and power grid upgrades to the development of a robust recycling value chain. Beyond road transport, urban and collective transport industries and stakeholders are also needs stability to development long-term projects and infrastructures.
Disruptions to these sectors would only further delay Europe’s transition to clean mobility.
Regulatory stability is the rallying call of clean industries of this 2025 “rentrée”. Now is the moment for Europe to stay the course, safeguard its industrial competitiveness, and secure the long-term benefits of the transition for its workers, industries, and citizens.
Swift and Smooth | Cross-sectoral recommendations for a swift transport electrification, smooth for the grid
ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURES
The transport sector is electrifying across the EU. Optimised integration of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to distribution grids is one of the main enablers to EV uptake. Currently, System Operators[i] face a high number of connection requests from sectors electrifying in parallel while often being bound to managing these requests on a first-come-first-served basis. At the same time, electrified transport offers significant flexibility potential from battery storage, which can be leveraged to optimise use of existing grid capacity, notably when using smart charging solutions.
In this context, the members of the Platform for Electromobility recognise the need for a policy framework that supports beneficial and grid-friendly transport electrification. We welcome the opportunity to contribute to the development of such a framework following the announcement of the Automotive Action Plan. With this paper, we align our views on three key topics addressed by the upcoming Action Plan:
- Acceleration of grid connection requests
- Standardisation for interoperability and data exchange
- Future needs to guide anticipatory investments
As announced in the Automotive Action Plan, the Commission is working on the Guidance and recommendation on shortening grid connection procedures and grid connection prioritisation. The Platform welcomes the initiative, considering the unprecedented demand for grid connections from various sectors and recognising that Member States need flexibility in their approaches to grid connection queue management beyond ‘first-come, first-served’ as the default method. We see the upcoming Guidance as going in the needed direction of greater harmonisation of grid connection processes across the EU where currently, practices differ greatly among system operators.
This paper outlines shared recommendations from our sectors on how European legislators can support us in addressing these challenges in a coordinated and forward-looking manner[ii].
[i] System Operators in this document refers to both DSOs and TSOs [ii] The Platform would like to thank the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) for its technical advice supporting this paper.
I. More efficient grid connection requests
Recommendation 1/ Prioritising grid connection requests
Many system operators have identified inefficiencies with the ‘first-come, first-served’ approach, such as “ghost applications” to secure potential charging sites. System operators should have the possibility to actively manage these queues, with proper guidance from their national governments and regulators, where ‘first-come, first-served’ is no longer useful for their customers or themselves. Some Member States[i]are already moving beyond this principle by introducing criteria for projects to be connected, e.g. mature and fully developed projects, projects that provide system value. The Platform recommends that the Commission consider the options mentioned in this paper in view of accelerating grid connections while using tools to use existing grid capacity most efficiently.
The prioritisation of grid connection requests to manage limited grid capacity more efficiently and reduce connection queues is essential to enable a timelier connection of critical infrastructure for the electrification of transport – particularly charging stations for electric heavy-duty vehicles (e-HDVs). Clear criteria for prioritisation should be established at European and national level by governments and national regulatory authorities (NRAs). These guidelines should allow system operators to prioritise projects that provide the greatest benefit to the grid and society and, at the same time, give system operators legal certainty in their allocations of grid connections.
[i] European Commission. (2023, December 14). Communication on future-proof network charges for a decarbonised and increasingly digitalised electricity system. https://energy.ec.europa.eu/publications/communication-future-proof-network-charges-reduced-energy-system-costs_en
Recommendation 2/ Balance technological neutrality with emerging markets needs
Guidelines for prioritising requests must be integrated into the regulatory framework to avoid delays and ensure that urgent, high-priority projects are fast-tracked. It is important to note that, under existing regulations, DSOs and TSOs must remain technology-neutral in their planning and investment decisions. While no specific technology type should be prioritised by default, the application of clear and objective criteria can help identify projects that offer the greatest system-wide value. In this context, EV charging projects that enhance overall network efficiency, resilience, and flexibility may merit prioritisation, provided they are assessed based on their contribution to broader system benefits.
In emerging and still-fragile market segments, such as infrastructure for eHDVs, some degree of prioritisation may be justified, particularly where projects demonstrate clear potential to contribute to grid flexibility or resilience. Similarly to how renewable energy projects were prioritised in the early stages of the energy transition, certain eHDV charging projects may warrant faster access through the connection queue, provided they meet predefined, transparent criteria. The Clean Transport Corridors initiative under the EU Automotive Industry Action Plan offers a relevant example of how public authorities can support the roll-out of strategic infrastructure without undermining technology neutrality for system operators, by focusing on systemic benefits rather than specific technologies.
Recommendation 3 / Regularly updating grid hosting capacity maps
To accelerate grid connection processes and support efficient deployment of recharging infrastructure, accessible and regularly updated information on available grid capacity should be accessible. Examples from Flanders show that maps with regularly refreshed data and clear visualisation significantly improve stakeholder engagement and planning. Conversely, tools such as the Dutch colour-coded heatmaps, while a step forward, have limited usability. In the UK, the open data portal also is a promising model[i][ii] . Overall, increasing the digitalisation, transparency, frequency, and functionality of capacity maps would empower project developers, reduce delays, and support more effective grid usage. In order to ensure harmonisation across the Union, we call upon the European Commission to create open and updated pan-European grid capacity maps to coordinate with project promoters on locations already available for grid connection. Regulators should ensure that such improvements are incentivised or at least cost-neutral for DSOs and TSOs.
[i] UK Power Networks. (n.d.). Open Data Portal. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/our-company/open-data-portal
Recommendation 4/ Digitalisation of requests via confidentiality agreements
Digitalisation and standardisation are increasingly recognised as essential enablers for managing the growing volume and complexity of grid connection requests. As electricity demand rises, manual approaches are no longer sufficient. Digital tools should not only streamline internal workflows and technical assessments for system operators, but also ensure that those requesting a grid connection, such as CPOs and other stakeholders, have easy and transparent access to key information. This includes the procedures to submit a connection request, timelines for each step, the current status of their application, and any additional relevant updates. Making this information accessible through digital means is crucial for improving transparency, predictability, and efficiency in the connection process and any additional relevant updates and upfront information on costs and fees.
To fully leverage these advancements, there is a clear need for transparent and accessible information for current and future connection request and plans to be provided by CPOs to DSOs. For a competitive and well-functioning market, it is essential to ensure information on CPOs’ future connection request and charging network planning is shared bilaterally with involved DSOs in a manner that ensures confidentiality and protect commercial sensitivities when this information is needed for DSOs to prepare network development plans and efficiently plan infrastructure upgrade and modernisation
Recommendation 5/ Flexible grid connection agreements
Electrification of transport increases the load on electricity distribution grids, leading sometimes to network congestion during specific periods of time of certain days. By introducing flexible, timed connection options while new distribution infrastructures are built, peak-time demand can be managed more effectively, ensuring that more EVs can be connected to the grid without causing congestion or reducing grid expansion cost. When deemed necessary by the system operators, flexible connection agreements can accelerate the efficient and timely connection of new projects to the grid. In some Member States, such as Sweden, certain grid operators already offer flexible grid connections; however, they face uncertainty in managing the technical aspects due to the lack of complete standardisation.
These agreements, often useful as a temporary solution before physical grid reinforcement should include provisions for vehicle-to-grid readiness, smart charging capabilities, and power requirements for different charging use cases (e.g., ultrafast vs. overnight). Such agreements can in some cases, such as charge points with limited hours of operation, be a more permanent solution when there is a specific agreement in place for that situation. It should also be acknowledged that the concept of flexible connection is defined differently across Member States, and national interpretations and frameworks may vary accordingly. This can facilitate the early adoption of zero-emission vehicles of all sorts however, the regulatory framework must support timely investment in the grid, with a clear timetable for the provision of firm capacity. Without replacing market-based alternatives, permanent flexible connection agreements could also be offered as a viable solution only if agreed by both parties
Recommendation 6/ Smart pricing to ensure best use of existing power networks
Enabling smart and, where possible, bidirectional EV charging, based on the growing offer of smart charging tariffs and services, would help consumers use the grid most efficiently. National energy regulators implementing time-varying network tariffs , based on recent EU guidance recognising the pressing nature of network pricing reform[i] are a basic key ingredient to drive efficient grid utilisation from grid customers such as EV fleets and CPOs.
[i] European Commission. (2024). [Title of the publication] (Publication No. 96b7e60d‑9efe‑11ee‑b164‑01aa75ed71a1). Retrieved July 9, 2025, from https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/96b7e60d‑9efe‑11ee‑b164‑01aa75ed71a1
II. Standardisation for interoperability and data
Recommendation 7/ Establishing common standards
The importance of interoperability between EVs and the grid is critical for ensuring seamless connectivity across borders and vendor-independent. This includes establishing common standards for charging infrastructure and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communications to ensure that EVs and charging stations can interact with the grid across the EU. Adopting common standards for data exchange across the EU is essential to seamlessly exchange information on charging infrastructure, capacity needs, and vehicle data. Therefore, clear guidelines for data sharing formats need to be developed to ensure that all parties involved can easily access and use the relevant data. Standardisation ensures interoperability, safety, and efficiency in the integration of electric vehicles with the power grid.
The promotion of common standards is paramount for ensuring interoperability and reliability across V2X systems. These should allow the Electric Vehicle Charging System (EVSE) to provide smart and bidirectional charging. and communicate with the grid. The necessary standards should be implemented as soon as the standardisation processes are finalised, in the charging stations, the cars and the grid. , while taking into consideration industry capabilities. This is key to deploy future-proof infrastructure and to deliver the smart-charging services we will need for the energy transition to succeed. Standardisation bodies should prioritise development of standardised protocols for battery efficiency and warranty and for EV charging protocols between both the grid and vehicle. This will bolster consumer confidence and trust in V2X technologies.
Recommendation 8/ EU-wide interoperability grid data and asset certification
The data sets and formats based on common definitions concerning available grid capacity across EU distribution system operators would significantly facilitate project development for grid users operating in multiple EU countries, by improving transparency and comparability of grid information. In parallel, certification for assets connecting to the grid plays a crucial role in ensuring that charging infrastructure complies with quality standards and safety requirements.
This certification process typically involves a formal assessment to verify that electrical assets, such as charging stations and associated equipment, meet defined technical, safety, and quality benchmarks prior to grid connection.
Technical compliance ensures that the infrastructure is compatible with the operational requirements of the grid and does not introduce disturbances or compromise stability. Safety standards are assessed to protect both users and grid operators, covering aspects such as protection against electrical faults, fire risks, and correct installation procedures. Quality assurance confirms the infrastructure’s reliability, durability, and performance over time, supporting long-term functionality and user confidence.
Establishing common EU-wide certification requirements and procedures would support cross-border deployment of charging infrastructure and reduce administrative complexity for manufacturers and operators alike.
III. Future needs to guide anticipatory investments
Recommendation 9/ Detailed forecasting and transparency in demand
Accurate forecasting of future transport demand and the capacity needs for EVs is critical to guide infrastructure investments and grid planning. Early data on power requirements per station enables system operators to have better-informed decisions and to prioritise grid connection requests more effectively. A clear guidance on how this data needs to be collected and shared in full respect of protection of commercial interests among the stakeholders involved is needed to reduce connection queues and help manage grid capacity congestion efficiently.
Recommendation 10/ Anticipatory Investments in grid capacity and Infrastructure
A stable and predictable legal framework that also allows anticipatory investments enables the network to meet capacity requirements when needed. Such a framework needs to be built on holistic European and national energy plans formed with policies that fully deliver on decarbonisation ambitions, keeping in view sufficiently long-time horizons, and implemented and monitored by independent energy regulators. Anticipatory investments[i] are not a new form of grid investment, and as such do not require a brand-new regulatory framework, though regulatory frameworks can often be further improved in this respect. Optimal investment still entails investing so that the additional cost of build matches the expected societal benefit of this extra capacity.
The need for anticipatory investments[ii] and a concomitant regulatory framework that facilitates their implementation are key for ensuring that grid infrastructure is developed ahead of demand. This includes addressing the growing demand from transport while simultaneously investing in grid upgrades to prevent future congestion. To target these investments optimally, demand forecast processes should be structurally embedded in a wider and regular scenario building exercise and joint grid planning process.
Based on the aforementioned outlined checks and risk evaluation with regards to future utilisation, DSOs should be empowered to make anticipatory investments that can handle future needs, particularly in areas where high-capacity charging stations are required (e-HDVs). These investments should support the implementation of the AFIR provisions and the rollout of grid-optimised e-HDV charging infrastructure TEN-T networks, e.g. via the Clean Corridor initiative, with a specific focus on enabling cross-border traffic, thereby avoiding price distortion in the emerging market for truck charging services.
[i] Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP): Revitalising regulation to guide anticipatory investment. https://blueprint.raponline.org/deep-dive/revitalising-regulation-to-guide-anticipatory-investment/
[ii] European Commission. (2025, June 2). EU guidance ensuring electricity grids are fit for the future. Retrieved June 13, 2025, from https://energy.ec.europa.eu/news/eu-guidance-ensuring-electricity-grids-are-fit-future-2025-06-02_en
Recommendation 11/ Implementing a blueprint for recharging infrastructure
The costs and complexity of grid connections can be rationalised by optimising the deployment of recharging infrastructures, in accordance with charging infrastructure needs (number of points to be installed per EVs on the road, location, power, type of socket, etc.). If the infrastructure is installed at the right place, taking into account EV user demands and patterns of charging behaviour, namely where the grid is already available or sufficiently robust, with consistent sizing, the cost and length of grid connection processes can be mitigated. To this end, it is necessary to promote the cooperation between local/regional authorities and stakeholders of the electromobility ecosystem in the deployment of recharging infrastructures, for instance by implementing a “blueprint for recharging infrastructure”. This document, defined by local authorities in consultation with relevant stakeholders, would comprise the local planning rules for the implementation of recharging infrastructure in main highways and national roads and would assess charging infrastructure needs, considering the existing publicly accessible infrastructure and also the existing and expected private charging infrastructure. It could further enhance existing work completed by the Sustainable Transport Forum (STF).[i].
[i] Autoriteit Consument & Markt. (2024, May 22). Codebesluit prioriteringsruimte bij transportverzoeken. https://www.acm.nl/nl/publicaties/codebesluit-prioriteringsruimte-bij-transportverzoeken
The final word by our member
“This paper is clear evidence of the power of cross-sectoral cooperation in addressing the challenges of transport electrification. Breaking down siloes between the electricity and mobility sectors is essential to ensuring a swift and smooth energy transition. In the context of the Automotive Action Plan, it is encouraging to see E.DSO members actively driving this collaboration forward”
—Charles Esser, Secretary General at E.DSO
Corporate Fleet Initiative? Towards a fair, sustainable, multimodal, and smart transition
VEHICLES & MARKETS
The Platform for Electromobility welcomes the European Commission’s plans to present, by the end of 2025, a legislative proposal aimed at accelerating the uptake of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in corporate fleets.
The Commission’s communication on this initiative, referred to as “Greening Corporate Fleets,” clearly outlines the strategic importance and objectives of the proposal. With this document, the Platform presents the perspective of the electric mobility industrial ecosystem in response to the remaining open questions ahead of the legislative proposal. These include considerations regarding the type of legislative instrument, the scope and inclusion of light and collective electric transport, the integration of an ecoscore to complement the “Greening Corporate Fleets” initiative, and the potential use of funds collected through penalties or enforcement mechanisms.
1. Legal instrument - Regulation vs. Directive
We first wish to underline the urgency of this measure: there is a critical need to boost demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in order to support EU-based automotive manufacturers in meeting CO₂ standards targets. This urgency should guide the choice of legal instrument.
A directive would not be sufficiently timely, as its transposition into national law would likely delay market impact in some Member States until the 2030s, far too late to support EU-based manufacturers in meeting the 2035 targets.
A regulation, by contrast, would provide greater legal certainty and allow for faster implementation. It would offer clarity for both manufacturers and companies purchasing fleet vehicles. Such certainty, alongside ambitious CO₂ standards for new cars and vans, will ensure that the supply of EVs can meet the EU’s climate ambitions and avoid competition among companies for a limited pool of ZEVs.
The Clean Vehicles Directive should be integrated into this new framework, following a one-in-one-out approach, which would streamline obligations for both public and private fleet operators. Coordination between the Clean Vehicles Directive and the upcoming corporate fleet initiative must also be ensured, with a view to harmonising obligations. In the longer term, the integration of both frameworks into a single, comprehensive regulation could be considered—provided it supports the objective of simplifying requirements and improving overall policy coherence.
2. Trajectories – Segments & Scopes
We recommend setting a target that effectively accelerates demand for ZEVs and facilitates the development of a second-hand EV market, while remaining aligned with market realities. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) represent the most straightforward and efficient solution for decarbonising road transport for passenger cars. Therefore, the definition of ZEVs under this initiative should clearly reflect this assessment.
We believe the legislation should cover all fleet segments: company cars, rentals, leasing, true fleets (including taxis, ride-hailing, carsharing, logistics vans, buses and coaches), and trucks. We highlight the importance to establish a clear distinction between the cars and the vans. Market realities, usages and greening speed (including production capacities in Europe) are different. Moreover, this regulation should also include measures to increase demand for zero emission heavy duty vehicles.
3. Scope – Light, Shared and Collective Mobility
We recommend adopting a broad and forward-looking perspective on the scope of the initiative, to reflect the rapidly evolving landscape of corporate mobility options and solutions. As in wider society, all means of transport that are meeting companies’ mobility needs should be promoted, from light electric vehicles (LEVs) and electric collective transports to electric vehicles (LDV & HDV). In the context of company-provided mobility solutions (e.g. benefit-in-kind schemes), the focus should be on reducing emissions from overall corporate mobility, including solutions such as shared mobility vouchers or public transport subscriptions.
To support this transition, particularly for SMEs, we recommend that the Commission provide access to tailored advisory services to help design sustainable corporate mobility strategies.
4. Supporting more sustainable, smarter, EU-made solutions
In parallel with the urgent need to accelerate EV uptake, we support the introduction of an EU-level ecoscore to guide fleet purchasing decisions toward the most sustainable vehicles. An ecoscore, defined in close coordination with stakeholders, would enable fleet purchasers to assess the overall sustainability of vehicles beyond their ZEV status.
Such a tool could also be used to support EU-based vehicle and batteries manufacturing by rewarding production practices aligned with EU environmental and social standards, thereby strengthening European industrial competitiveness.
In addition, the fleet mandate should, without delaying the implementation of the initiative, encourage the deployment of smart and bidirectional charging technologies. These are essential to enabling a grid-friendly rollout of electromobility by turning vehicles into active grid assets, enhancing energy system resilience, better integrating renewables into the grid, and enabling cost savings for both users and the electric system. Given their predictable usage patterns and focus on cost-efficiency, corporate fleets are ideal early adopters of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies and should be at the forefront of this development.
We also recommend calling on the Commission and Member States to assess and address regulatory barriers to unlocking the flexibility potential of corporate fleets, and to develop and exchange guidance and best practices to this end. Companies above a certain size should be encouraged to evaluate how their fleet could contribute to, and benefit from, demand-side flexibility, including through a clear cost-benefit analysis.
5. Social fairness – Targeting funds toward EU-wide purchase scheme and infrastructures
To enforce the legislation, the first step should be the establishment of a clear reporting system to track new vehicle procurement. As a follow-up, an incentive and/or penalty framework should
be created. Where possible, we recommend that any funds collected through enforcement mechanisms or penalties for non-compliance be redirected to support the purchase of all types of fully electric vehicles and related infrastructure, notably for local authorities and SMEs. This would enhance both the social fairness and the overall effectiveness of the initiative. Alternatively, such penalties could be channelled into the Social Climate Fund.
Beyond the corporate fleet initiative
FISCAL INCENTIVES – A KEY DRIVING FACTOR
We believe that no fleet greening initiative will be effective without the right enabling conditions and enforcement mechanisms. Fiscal policy remains one of the most powerful levers for accelerating the transition to clean corporate mobility. To ensure the success of the fleet greening initiative, the Commission should strongly encourage Member States to align their tax systems in support of all types of electric vehicles. Well-designed fiscal incentives (such as tax deductions, exemptions, or reduced benefit-in-kind rates) have proven to be among the most effective tools for driving behavioural change in the corporate mobility sector.
INFRASTRUCTURE – UNLOCKING BROADER BENEFITS
This regulation will catalyse substantial investments in EVs and the charging infrastructure needed to support them. As companies electrify their fleets, the total number of EVs in both primary and secondary markets will increase, thereby accelerating the deployment of charging points, at depots and workplaces, as well as at public and semi-public charging stations, with benefits for all EV drivers
"We recommend adopting a broad and forward-looking perspective on the scope of the initiative, to reflect the rapidly evolving landscape of corporate mobility options and solutions. As in wider society, individual car ownership should not be the sole approach to meeting companies’ mobility needs."
— Holger Haubold, Director at the European Cyclists' Federation
[Video] How to enable a strong European recycling ecosystem for electromobility?
Supply & Industry
How to enable a strong European recycling ecosystem for electromobility?
In a short video, Kinga Timaru-Kast highlights the strategic importance of strengthening recycling for Europe’s economy. She outlines immediate policy actions to support a sustainable and competitive EV recycling value chain, and frames these efforts within the longer-term perspective of the upcoming Circular Economy Act.
“Fostering a recycling ecosystem in the European e-mobility value chain is crucial for enhancing the region’s strategic autonomy. Currently, Europe relies heavily on third-country production and imports of critical materials and components essential for the production of electromobility solutions.
By creating conditions for a strong recycling ecosystem, Europe can reduce this dependency — ensuring a more resilient supply chain while also reducing emissions associated with the use of primary materials. Recycling also fosters innovation, as businesses invest in new technologies and processes, driving economic growth and creating future-oriented jobs.
With numerous legislative low-hanging fruits up for grabs, the EU can set today the conditions to support the development of a homegrown recycling industry. Regulatory stability is the bottom-line condition for establishing investments in the industry. Safeguarding the clear, long-term policies already agreed by co-legislators will provide the necessary certainty for businesses to innovate and to invest in recycling capacities.
Existing feedstock uncertainty is further increased through material leakage — when shipment rules to destinations outside the EU can be differently interpreted, and not ambitiously implemented and controlled at the Member State level.
Today’s challenges of European recyclers cannot be adequately tackled in the short term. We need to effectively use the toolkit of legislations already in the hands of European policymakers.
Our recommendations focus on optimizing existing legislations, such as:
the Batteries Regulation,
the Waste Shipment Regulation, and
the proposed End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Regulation.
This can be achieved by making targeted improvements, providing clarifications where needed, and by ambitiously implementing and enforcing the requirements.
While defining our recommendations for the upcoming Circular Economy Act, we will continue highlighting the need to ensure that end-of-life EVs and batteries are treated and processed here in Europe. We need to create a sustainable loop for future EV and battery production on the continent.”