Europe Urged to Accelerate in Global Electric Car Race
As attendees at the Geneva International Motor Show witness the rapid evolution of the automotive industry, it's evident that Europe faces significant competition on the global stage as it navigates the transition from combustion engine vehicles to battery-electric cars within a compressed timeframe.
International journalists, alongside renowned academic Tommaso Pardi of the French National Centre for Scientific Research and Luca de Meo, President of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), convened to address the pressing question: how can Europe maintain its competitiveness in this fast-paced race?
According to Mr. Pardi, foreign electric car manufacturers currently hold a competitive edge, having invested earlier and achieved greater vertical integration in the battery value chain. This advantage, coupled with larger economies of scale and the absence of the burden of phasing out millions of combustion engine cars, places Europe at a strategic disadvantage.
To address these challenges, Mr. Pardi emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated automotive industrial policy. This policy should be aligned with the objectives of the Green Deal, ensuring strategic autonomy and reducing foreign dependencies.
Mr. de Meo echoes these sentiments, underscoring the necessity for a holistic EU industrial strategy spanning the entire automotive value chain. He stresses the importance of meeting the 2035 deadline for phasing out combustion engines, emphasizing the industry's commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability.
Central to this endeavor is the establishment of robust framework conditions by the EU, including access to charging infrastructure, affordable renewable energy, purchase incentives, and tax schemes. Additionally, a transformation of the labor force to meet the demands of the electric car market is deemed essential.
As Mr. Pardi aptly states, collaboration across the automotive ecosystem and with policymakers is imperative to propel the electric car market forward. This sentiment will be further explored during the upcoming FutureDriven Reception in Brussels, where industry leaders will discuss strategies for fostering European champions and reducing reliance on foreign competitors.
In the face of global competition, Europe's success in the electric car race hinges on proactive collaboration and decisive action to create a sustainable and competitive automotive industry for the future.
