EP plenary must keep transport ambitions high

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On 11 September, the ENVI committee took an ambitious stand to combat transport emissions and decided for a 45% reduction target on COemissions by 2030.

Eurelectric calls upon policymakers to maintain this trajectory in plenary and Council. The current discussions in the Council show a considerable risk of ministers watering down the ambition and thereby harming the prospects of a profound shift towards clean mobility. On this background, it is critical that the European Parliament positions itself firmly in favour of climate and customers at the plenary vote on 3 October.

“MEPs should seize this opportunity to answer the call of citizens to preserve climate and to be offered a real choice between fossil fuelled and electric mobility”, said Kristian Ruby, Secretary General of Eurelectric.

Clean mobility is key to a healthier environment and a sound economic choice. Higher shares of electric vehicles will translate into a substantial reduction of noise, air pollution and greenhouse gases. They go hand in hand with the deployment of variable renewables, as they allow to store the electricity produced at times of low consumption. Furthermore, the electrification of road transport will generate a wide range of business opportunities and enable the creation of more than 200,000 net jobs by 2030.

A 45% objective is ambitious, but realistic. Public charging infrastructure will soon be sufficient to supply the 10% users charging outside of home or work. Electricity generation will also be sufficient to cope with the vast deployment of electric vehicles. Recent studies show modest power demand increase even at high levels of electric car market penetration.

Background:

Eurelectric is  the sector association representing the common interests of the electricity industry at pan-European level. Eurelectric represents 3500 companies across Europe with an aggregate turnover of €200 bln. It covers all major issues affecting the sector, from electricity generation and markets, to distribution networks, customers, as well as environment and sustainability issues.