Commissioner Breton discusses electricity grid preparedness for electric vehicles

Today, Commissioner Thierry Breton convenes a Route35 roundtable discussion on the interactions between electricity grids preparedness and e-mobility needs. 

He will meet with high-level representatives from the automotive supply chain, grid operators, charging infrastructure operators, and Member States. The discussion will focus on the readiness of electricity grids to meet the needs of e-mobility and on the conditions required from e-vehicles to contribute to grid stability and preparedness in a context of increased electrification needs and decarbonisation of the grid system.

Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, said: “Strategies are good, execution is better. We need to actively monitor and accompany the implementation of the Green Deal on the ground to meet our decarbonisation objectives and all while remaining competitive. In automotive, thanks to Route35 we are monitoring progress on the enabling conditions through KPIs on skilled workers, raw materials and batteries, charging stations, infrastructure or energy. Grids are a key enabler for the automotive industry transition. Electric cars on European roads will consume 10% of the overall electricity demand by 2050. In 2030 already, the grid will need to be able to integrate the charging needs of electric vehicles, in particular heavy-duty ones. The cooperation between the energy and mobility ecosystems is essential.”

The EU has set ambitious objectives for road transport decarbonisation: all new cars, vans and city buses sold from 2035 onwards will need to be 100% zero-emission, while a 90% CO2 reduction for heavy-duty vehicles by 2040 is required. Achieving these targets necessitates a comprehensive monitoring framework to track progress and ensure all enabling factors are in place (see Route35 factsheet on progress in meeting our 2035 zero-emissions targets). Electricity grid capacity and performance are critical to accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles and transforming the EU automotive industry.

In the light of the electrification needs for the automotive industry and the EU Action Plan on Grids, the high level roundtable will be an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange insights on the grid’s preparedness for the increasing demand for electric vehicle charging, including heavy-duty vehicles, as well as on the potential adjustments required from e-vehicles.