A two day informal meeting of the EU ministers of competitiveness focused exclusively on electric vehicles. They conveyed a positive message about the future of EV’s in Europe and insisted on the need for more standardisation in the sector.

The message following the informal ministerial meeting in San Sebastian, Spain was simple “The electric car is an opportunity for European industry” economic growth and the environment. Spanish industry minister, Miguel Sebastián, went further and exclaimed “the electric vehicle has been born today in Europe” referring to the progress made at the meeting.

The open discussion on EVs led to a unanimous agreement that the European Union should draft a European strategy to address the obstacles which implementation of this technology may come up against. The adoption could take place during the next formal meeting of the spring competiveness council.

Getting things right from the beginning

Spanish industry Minister Miguel Sebastián stated that "we want to do things right from the beginning” referring to standardising measures that would save the automotive industry billions of euros. He warned that moving in different directions from the early stages would be  “expensive for industry [given its need] to change its platforms and adapt its models to common parameters” later on.

Setting standards is key

Standardisation is one of the main barriers that a common European policy would have to overcome. Citing the vast number of charging terminals models currently available, 92, Mr. Sebastián pointed towards reducing the diversity of designs and applications available for EVs.  

Ensuring that battery prices sink from roughly €16,000 to €6,000 was also another priority issue that must be addressed in the European strategy.

To this end Heinz Zourek, EC Director General of Industry and Enterprise, highlighted some of the initiatives the European Commission is already working on with regards to EV standardisation preparation.  Among measures designed to stimulate the industry, Sebastián and Zourek mentioned the proposals made by the countries in the work sessions, such as special lanes, better parking conditions or exemption from licensing taxes.