Gathered in San Sebastian, the Ministers for Industry of the 27 EU member countries wished to signal a genuine turning point for the future of electric mobility in Europe by calling upon EU institutions to take charge of the implementation of a European plan for the electric car. If a communal effort is led, the electric vehicle could represent 10% of the cars on European roads in 2020.
An economic and ecological opportunity for Europe
For the Spanish Minister for Industry, Miguel Sebastian, "the electric vehicle presents an opportunity for European industry." Its implementation will allow the development of a new technological and innovative industry, while decreasing our dependency on energy.
While the Spanish EU Presidency wishes to give the electric car priority , France and Germany have already announced cross-border initiatives in this area.
Towards standardised infrastructures
Making the electric vehicle a fundamental element of the car market means creating common infrastructures and standards across the EU.
According to Miguel Sebastian, the creation of a European standard is essential: "We want the European citizen who travels between countries to be able to use the same sockets and for the vehicle to be simple (…), that will be a key factor."
The emphasis will thus be put on standardising recharging systems, of which there are currently 92 types, and on bringing down the cost of the batteries, which cost between €6,000 and €16,000.
As for the EU’s planned aid for the industrialization of the electric vehicle, the debate is still open. Member states, closely followed by car manufacturers, are hoping for the creation of financial aid and purchasing incentives, such as the best parking conditions or an extension of the vehicle tax credit for buying a clean car, in order to make electric vehicles accessible to customers. Heinz Zourek, Director-General of Enterprise and Industry at the European Commission, does however point out that "any kind of aid should not be permanent."
The next formal Council, which will take place on the 25th and 26th May 2010, should lay down, in practical terms, the main points of a European electric mobility strategy. Nevertheless,, Miguel Sebastian, proved to be very enthusiastic as far as the conclusions of the meeting of the European Ministers for Europe in Spain were concerned. He thus declared that the electric vehicle "is today born in Europe."
