Europe faces challenges to EV industry

subscribe

The European Union faces challenges of safety, cost, competitiveness and technological harmonization in its plan to successfully develop its electric car industry, EU presidency holder Spain said.

"Obviously there are lots of questions... issues of legal security, validation, the safety of the vehicles themselves... and cost," Spain's industry minister Miguel Sebastian said at a news conference after a meeting with European counterparts.

EU industry ministers gathered in northern Spain ahead of an action plan for European electric vehicle industry expected in May, and saw an exhibition of 15 models of electric cars and prototypes which are being developed in Europe.

"What struck us first of all was the disorder in the charging systems... it's all a little bit chaotic and that is something we will have to avert, in order to avoid what happened in the video industry," Sebastian said.

"But harmonization doesn't cost too much money at the moment, what will cost money is if we have to say (to car manufacturers) that they have to change your designs in five years time," he added.

Spain has made the electric car a cornerstone of its six month EU presidency and has much to gain from the development of an industry which could stem the huge loss of jobs from its own auto sector and use the large amounts of renewable energy it generates at off-peak hours.

Related News

california blackouts

Why California's Climate Policies Are Causing Electricity Blackouts

SAN FRANCISCO - Millions of Californians were denied electrical power and thus air conditioning during a heatwave, raising the risk of heatstroke and death, particularly among the elderly and sick. 

The blackouts come at a time when people, particularly the elderly, are forced to remain indoors due to Covid-19.

At first, the state’s electrical grid operator last night asked customers to voluntarily reduce electricity use. But after power reserves fell to dangerous levels it declared a “Stage 3 emergency” cutting off power to people across the state at 6:30 pm.

The immediate reason for the black-outs was the failure of a 500-megawatt power…

READ MORE
duke energy

Report: Duke Energy to release climate report under investor pressure

READ MORE

america-households-struggle-with-sky-high-energy-bills

American Households Struggle with Sky-High Energy Bills During Extreme Summer Heat

READ MORE

themostat

US January power generation jumps 9.3% on year: EIA

READ MORE

5g electricity

Is 5G a waste of electricity? Experts say it's complicated

READ MORE