Auto sector raises alarm on lagging infrastructure and tech options at first Strategic Dialogue workstream meeting

At the first Strategic Dialogue meeting tackling decarbonisation, automakers and suppliers call for feasible solutions to meet climate-neutral goals as EV uptake slows and Europe’s industrial leadership faces unprecedented pressure.

The European automotive sector is at a critical juncture, facing mounting pressure from regulatory CO2 targets this year while grappling with declining global competitiveness.

At the first of the Strategic Dialogue thematic sessions dedicated to infrastructure and demand, European vehicle manufacturers and suppliers addressed shared concerns and outlined feasible actions to redress the slower-than-anticipated uptake of zero-emission vehicles while continuing to support road transport decarbonisation with a long-term technology-open framework.

Despite progress made over the past years, the pace of installing recharging and refuelling points remains too slow and not enough to cover projected demand. For example, almost 60% of all charging stations are located in only three countries. In the case of heavy-duty vehicles, there is almost no availability of charging and refuelling infrastructure. Likewise, vehicle manufacturers are calling for the introduction of national and pan-European purchase and fiscal incentives to boost demand.

“The EU needs market-driven, not penalty-driven policy if it wants to drive demand for zero-emissions while overcoming the competitiveness crisis facing Europe’s auto industry,” stated Sigrid de Vries, ACEA Director General. “Today, we reiterated our call for immediate relief on impending CO2 penalties and an ambitious review of the EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation, which still falls far short. We also backed the introduction of a pan-European incentive scheme.”

“It is crucial to make electrification work. Charging infrastructure and incentives for vehicles are important levers. However, we need an approach that really makes a difference, offering solutions which fit consumers’ needs and reduce emissions. We cannot afford to discriminate against technologies that contribute to climate targets. Achieving road transport decarbonisation faster requires leveraging Europe’s engineering leadership and innovation,” says Benjamin Krieger, CLEPA Secretary General. “We need a bold strategy to ensure Europe develops the supply chains for electric mobility and for sustainable renewable fuels. Without this, we risk limiting viable pathways to climate neutrality.”