Policies
AVERE's policy work focuses on four key areas:
- Increasing the availability of charging infrastructure: AVERE works to ensure that there is a sufficient number of charging stations available across Europe, so that EV owners can easily and conveniently charge their vehicles.
- Promoting the use of EVs in public fleets: AVERE works to encourage public bodies to adopt EVs for their fleets, as this can help to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
- Supporting the development of new EV technologies: AVERE works to support the development of new EV technologies, such as battery technology and smart charging.
- Influencing EU policy on electromobility: AVERE works to influence EU policy on electromobility, so that the EU can create a supportive environment for the growth of the EV market.
AVERE's policy work has been successful in achieving a number of positive outcomes for the EV industry. For example, AVERE's work helped to secure the inclusion of electromobility in the EU's Clean Mobility Package, which is a set of proposals to reduce emissions from transport.
AVERE's policy work is essential for the continued growth of the EV market in Europe.
By advocating for policies that support the development and deployment of EVs, AVERE is helping to make electromobility a reality for millions of people across Europe.
Here are some specific examples of AVERE's policy work:
- In 2020, AVERE published a report on the role of public fleets in the transition to electromobility. The report found that public fleets have a significant potential to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
- In 2021, AVERE lobbied the European Parliament to support the inclusion of electromobility in the EU's Fit for 55 package. Fit for 55 is a set of proposals to reduce emissions across all sectors of the economy.
- AVERE works with the European policymakers to develop the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). AFIR is a regulation that sets minimum requirements for the deployment of charging infrastructure across Europe.
AVERE's policy work is ongoing, and the association is committed to continuing to advocate for policies that support the growth of the EV market in Europe.
Our Policy Priorities:
ACCELERATING THE UPTAKE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND PHASING OUT ICE BY 2030.
We must strengthen CO2 reduction targets for cars and vans and include an ICE phase-out date by 2030 to help increase the uptake of zero emission mobility.
The revision of the Regulation setting CO2 emission standards for cars and vans must therefore:
- Maintain the proposed phaseout of ICE vehicles, and ideally bring it forward to 2030
- Introduce a more ambitious reduction trajectory already throughout the 2020s
- Remove all loopholes currently watering down the regulation’s ambition
In 2022, the ambition for light duty vehicles needs to be matched for heavy duty vehicles through strict CO2 standards.
Furthermore, the revised Euro 7 Emissions standards should support the planned phaseout trajectory for both HDVs and LDVs, while ensuring clean and healthy cities for all EU citizens.
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ESTABLISHING A HARMONISED, HIGH QUALITY, DENSE EV CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORK.
The charging environment across Europe must be more consumer-friendly, seamless, interoperable, and suitable to heavy-duty vehicles.
AVERE therefore welcomes the proposed Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR):
- We support the target-driven approach chosen, with the new targets fit to ensure rollout remains in line with EV uptake
- Higher ambition is needed for emerging markets, rural regions and for heavy-duty vehicles
We will continue to engage on details of the regulation to minimise regulatory burden on charging industry and to improve user experience.
We will also continue to constructively engage on the proposed revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) to guarantee charging where is most convenient for users.
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WORKING TOWARDS A GREEN, INTEGRATED, SMART AND EFFICIENT ENERGY SECTOR.
In order to fully reap the benefits of electromobility, legislation should support the rapid uptake of renewable energy, as well as of smart charging and vehicle to grid technology.
The revision of the Renewable Energy Directive is a significant opportunity:
- The higher targets for renewable energy in transport are very welcome – they will help ensure that the decarbonisation potential of e-mobility is fully realised.
- Fuel neutral credit mechanisms should be extended to both public and private charging to further support the transition to clean electricity in transport.
We must also swiftly enhance Energy System Integration, specifically through the development of smart charging and vehicle to grid technology. EU power markets should permit EVs, as a decentralised energy resource, to provide flexibility services.
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ESTABLISHING A SUSTAINABLE AND COMPETITIVE EUROPEAN BATTERY INDUSTRY.
As EV sales begin to take off in Europe, the EU’s ability to remain competitive with the rest of the world will be heavily dependent on domestically developing batteries at a larger scale.
AVERE welcomes the European Commission’s Battery Regulation proposal from December 2020. The new regulation should:
- Ensure harmonisation in the internal market.
- Balance quick implementation, a robust methodology and effective enforcement.
- Establish proportional and well-designed provisions to enable sustainable battery production, use, and end-of-life management.
AVERE also supports the introduction of rules for the responsible sourcing of raw materials for batteries.
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A COMPREHENSIVE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR CONNECTED AND AUTOMATED MOBILITY
EU regulation needs to be consistent and holistic, taking into account the various business models already established on the market. It should stimulate the development and uptake of innovative technologies, while keeping consumer interests at heart.