The B2B platform for full-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Events News

Yesterday, at the AW Briefing in London a group of 50 high-level representatives from industry, policy and academia came together to find answers to the questions: what can stimulate the EV market, how important is the acceptance and education of the consumers in this equation and which incentives can be implemented to influence the buyer’s decision successfully. A cars21.com live report.

Every set of panel presentations on 11 February was followed by open and lively discussions reflecting what is going on in the mind of decision makers working on the implementation of an effective governmental EV strategy and what are the arguments of their industry counterparts. cars21.com provides an insight into selected points dominating the debate:

No tax losses for the Governments

A bank representative, referring to the problem of tax schemes being effective, asked if the governments would not be shooting in their own legs by supporting and subsidising electric vehicle that will reduce the petroleum tax income substantially. However, Bernie Lally, representing the UK Government Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) could dispel the doubt at least for the short to medium term. In her opinion, the percentage of EVs would still be small for the next 10-15 years and the number of ICE cars would still be rising so that no government has to fear tax losses. Nevertheless, she agreed that after that time period this problem would have to be addressed.

Industry and Government to act in concert?

One of the subjects always coming up in discussions around the EV market is the call for joining forces and combined action between industry and governments. A representative from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited (SMMT) also emphasised that similar infrastructure and plugs across regions are important to not confuse consumers. Responding to participants’ doubts about the viability and actual speed of implementation, a UK government official confirmed that behind the scenes governments are constantly talking and negotiating with car manufacturers and the infrastructure suppliers to find standardised solutions. Germany and France already agreed on a standardised plug and a European-wide decision is scheduled for summer this year. How and if standardisation across continents can be implemented is still open.

To swap or not to swap

Another topic that always leaves question marks is the question of which infrastructure technology will make it and if battery swapping a la Better Place has a realistic chance on a global scale. Another UK government representative explained that 14 months ago he met with the CEOs of the nine major car manufacturers, all putting serious doubts to the viability of the swapping technology. A similar or standard battery system seems highly unlikely with the current “battery war” between OEMs pushing for different solutions.

The future is unpredictable

The main problem in all these discussions about the right strategy to stimulate the EV market is the fact that besides an unsuccessful try several years ago, the EV sectors is completely new to many. Without experience and enough information all future scenarios and forecasts will stay vague, participants largely agreed. It is consensus that a fundamental shift in consumer attitudes is necessary but this needs time. Education, pricing incentives, balanced taxation and collaboration across the sectors as well as the public image of an EV will influence the consumer and support the adoption of EVs. However, the ways of the human psyche are rather strange at times and will hold some surprises for us in the future.

Coming next

In the second article, cars21.com will summarise the most important presentations analysing obstacles to consumer acceptance of EV’s and solutions for the global EV adoption.