Europe faces challenges to EV industry

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

inflation-climate-change-clean-energy-challenges

Rising Electricity Prices: Inflation, Climate Change, and Clean Energy Challenges

WASHINGTON - In recent months, consumers have been grappling with a concerning trend: rising electricity prices. This increase is not merely a fluctuation but a complex issue shaped by a confluence of factors including inflation, climate change, and the transition to clean energy. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating the current energy landscape and preparing for its future.

Inflation and Its Impact on Energy Costs

Inflation, the economic phenomenon of rising prices across various sectors, has significantly impacted the cost of living, including energy bills. As the price of goods and services increases, so too does the cost of producing and…

READ MORE
experts-advise-against-cutting-quebecs-energy-exports-amid-us-tariff-war

Experts Advise Against Cutting Quebec's Energy Exports Amid U.S. Tariff War

READ MORE

US Grid Gets an Overhaul for Renewables

US Grid Gets an Overhaul for Renewables

READ MORE

bc hydro logo

B.C. residents and businesses get break on electricity bills for three months

READ MORE

The Four Corners Power Plant

Renewables surpass coal in US energy generation for first time in 130 years

READ MORE