European automotive suppliers urge legislator to opt for ‘European way’ in reducing CO2 emissions from cars and light-duty vehicles
More inclusive transition to low-carbon mobility reduces emissions at lower costs with far fewer disruptions to the workforce
The second Mobility Package published today by the European Commission carries welcome measures to promote green public procurement, battery cell development and production in Europe and investment in infrastructure for alternative fuels and charging points in the EU. However, the proposed post-2020 CO2-reduction targets for cars and light-duty vehicles focus too much on just one technology and are very aggressive. A more inclusive transition to low-carbon mobility would reduce emissions at lower costs and with far fewer disruptions to the manufacturing base.
Automotive suppliers are highly committed to achieving the Paris climate change mitigation targets. CLEPA considers a 20-25% reduction target feasible for 2030 and its members are investing heavily in the vast array of technologies that are needed to deliver the Paris objectives.
“Europe should be courageous and opt for the ‘European way”, said Roberto Vavassori, CLEPA President. “Europe’s globally acknowledged strength lies in efficiently combining the most advanced internal combustion engine technologies with synthetic and regenerative fuels, electric motorisation, energy recuperation and a lean battery pack that minimises the use of present-state battery technology, avoiding downsides in terms of performance, resources and production”, he explained. “The question isn’t electric or combustion; modern vehicles have a power unit boasting a mix of solutions for smart, green and flexible mobility.”
“CLEPA asks the legislator to maintain an open mind for all technology options and provide a policy framework that positively accelerates innovation in Europe”, said Sigrid de Vries, CLEPA Secretary General. Such approach not only brings Europe’s environmental targets within reach. It maintains a wide range of mobility choices, sustains employment in the EU, strengthens the sector’s global competitiveness – because all technology pathways are needed elsewhere in the world as well – and provides the best guarantee for investment in Europe in new-generation batteries with a more positive cradle-to-grave impact on the environment, industrialised in European companies.
A 20-25% target for 2030, as supported by CLEPA, is no mean feat by any measure: due to the conversion to the new test cycle (WLTP) and the present market trend towards gasoline vehicles, the actual reduction would be as much as 32%. The post-2020 target will require the strong ramp-up of battery, fuel cell and hybrid electric vehicles in all variations, in addition to making continuous advances in combustion technology, alternative fuels, light-weight materials, ‘eco-innovations’ and other efficiency-pushing technologies.
Importantly, this process will not evolve in a linear way but accelerate year by year. For this reason, the proposed binding mid-term target of 15% is out of reach. Up to two third of the way would have to be delivered in the first few years. Sales of electric vehicles are increasing but count for not even 2% of the market today, and too many key factors are presently unknown (charging and alternative fuels infrastructure, battery cost and performance, consumer acceptance, etc.).
As regards the proposed, stricter low emission vehicle (LEV) definition, CLEPA believes that legislator should respect the need for legal predictability, and consider the substantial investments already made in hybrid solutions, a technology that will remain much needed to meet the CO2 emission reduction objectives.
CLEPA members offer mobility solutions that build on their long-standing industrial strength to realise ambitious environmental and safety-related objectives, counting multinationals as well as thousands of SMEs in its membership. Up to 75% of the value of an average vehicle comes from its components and parts. Automotive suppliers invest more than half of all automotive R&D in the EU (over EUR 22 billion per year). They are a key asset for Europe’s economy and wealth creation.
