- ACEA Electrification Action Plan supports faster European EV adoption.
- Industry groups propose broader charging and grid improvements.
Europe's automotive industry has renewed its push for stronger policy support to accelerate the transition toward electric mobility. On July 16, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) and E-Mobility Europe jointly urged the European Commission to strengthen road transport measures within the upcoming Electrification Action Plan. According to the organizations, faster vehicle electrification is critical for improving Europe's energy security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and reinforcing the region's leadership in zero-emission mobility.
The organizations emphasized that battery-electric passenger cars, vans, trucks, and buses are central to achieving the European Union's long-term decarbonization and energy independence objectives. They stated that well-designed policies can accelerate market adoption, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and provide long-term benefits for consumers and businesses. ACEA and E-Mobility Europe also reaffirmed their willingness to work closely with the European Commission while outlining several policy recommendations that they believe should be incorporated into the forthcoming Electrification Action Plan.
Recommended Measures for the EU Electrification Action Plan
To support a faster shift toward electric transport, the industry groups proposed several initiatives aimed at reducing ownership costs, improving charging infrastructure, strengthening electricity networks, and simplifying regulations. They believe these measures would remove existing barriers while encouraging broader electric vehicle adoption across Europe.
- Reduce electricity taxes and remove additional levies to lower EV operating costs.
- Introduce 0% VAT on batteries, electric vehicles, and charging equipment.
- Support bidirectional charging by eliminating double taxation and improving interoperability standards.
- Expand smart charging incentives alongside wider deployment of smart electricity meters and time-based tariffs.
- Provide dedicated funding for public heavy-duty truck charging infrastructure.
- Develop depot charging strategies through faster permitting, pre-wired depots, and updated insurance regulations.
- Increase investment in electricity grid expansion while simplifying grid connection procedures.
- Remove regulatory barriers affecting charging infrastructure and battery energy storage projects.
Key Policy Recommendations Proposed by Industry Groups
The recommendations also include introducing fuel-neutral credit mechanisms under RED III across all European Union member states. According to the organizations, these credit systems could lower charging costs while supporting both public and private charging infrastructure. They further stressed that a strong regulatory framework is essential for delivering long-term investment certainty throughout the transport and energy sectors.
Summary of Proposed Electrification Measures
| Focus Area | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Electricity Costs | Reduce taxes, remove levies, introduce 0% VAT |
| Bidirectional Charging | Remove double taxation, improve standards, expand smart charging |
| Heavy-Duty Vehicles | Support truck charging and depot infrastructure |
| Electricity Grid | Expand networks and simplify grid connections |
| RED III | Implement fuel-neutral credit mechanisms across EU countries |
| Regulatory Framework | Implement existing EU energy and transport legislation |
Industry Calls for Strong Policy Implementation
Beyond financial incentives and infrastructure investment, the organizations highlighted the need for full implementation of major European Union policies. These include the Emission Trading System 2, Electricity Market Design Directive, Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation, Eurovignette framework, and the EU Action Plan for Grids. ACEA and E-Mobility Europe believe coordinated implementation of these policies will accelerate zero-emission transport while strengthening Europe's competitiveness, energy resilience, and sustainable mobility ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are ACEA and E-Mobility Europe requesting stronger Electrification Action Plan measures?
ACEA and E-Mobility Europe believe stronger measures are necessary to accelerate electric vehicle adoption, improve Europe's energy security, and support decarbonization goals. Their recommendations include lowering electricity costs, expanding charging infrastructure, modernizing the electricity grid, supporting heavy-duty vehicle electrification, implementing RED III credit mechanisms, and ensuring full implementation of existing European Union energy and transport policies. They argue these actions will strengthen industrial competitiveness while helping Europe maintain leadership in zero-emission transport.
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