On 25 May 2023, the FIA European Bureau (EB) hosted an event to discuss how the Fit for 55 legislative initiatives will impact affordable mobility.

Transport & Mobility Leuven presented its main conclusions on the future affordability of car ownership study, commissioned by the FIA EB. In Germany, Denmark and Italy, electric vehicles were more cost-effective than internal combustion engines in the long term, thanks to existing financial incentives for the first buyer. The costs of electricity and fuels however weight heavily in the total cost of ownership calculation.

MEP Penkova stressed that a just transition should be holistic to not leave anyone behind. She highlighted that, in the transport sector, EU legislation is catching up with industry developments. MEP Penkova noted several legislative initiatives that are aiming to close this gap, such as the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation, Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, and the Net-Zero Industry Act.

A dense, accessible, and high-quality public charging network was pointed as paramount to boost the uptake for electric vehicle ownership. Stakeholders also discussed how targeted incentives could support the uptake of electric vehicles. The study stressed that incentives for second-hand vehicle owners could help more vulnerable household access electric mobility. The European Commission’s Social Climate Fund already aims to provide support to address the impacts of Emission Trading System on vulnerable households and those in energy or transport poverty. Other ideas included subsidizing electricity as much as petrol or distributing excess charging electricity from vehicle to home or vehicle to grid, as ways to incentivize consumer uptake of electric vehicles and to keep mobility affordable.

“Affordability is central in our vision for future mobility at FIA Region I. This study points out that incentives can play a role in the uptake of electric mobility, but also points to how to improve the system to support the second-hand car market and improve the fairness of the transition. Our members are side by side with consumers every step of the way, offering mobile charging, assistance for home wall boxes but also proposing attractive electricity supply” said Laurianne Krid, FIA Region I Director General.

Contact

Diogo Pinto
Policy Director – FIA Region I
dpinto@fia.com

About the FIA European Bureau

The FIA European Bureau, based in Brussels, is a consumer body comprising 100 Mobility Clubs that represent over 36 million members from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The FIA represents the interests of our members as motorists, riders, pedestrians, and passengers. We work to ensure safe, affordable, clean, and efficient mobility for all.