About this event:
 

The EU is making sustained efforts to tackle the climate crisis by cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions, not least through its Green Deal. Consumer behaviour and choice are make-or-break factors for the success of these efforts. But consumers are locked into a mobility system that fundamentally depends on fossil fuels. It is therefore vital policy makers help boost alternatives.

For those who depend on a car for their daily needs, the rise of electric driving may provide an opportunity. In 2016, consumer groups from the BEUC network already researched whether this could make economic sense for Europeans. Our conclusion then: the average 4-year cost of an electric vehicle in the EU should match that of a petrol car by 2024.

Since then, car makers have started a shift towards electric – mainly due to EU legislation on reducing CO₂ emissions. Climate policy has also kicked into higher gear. During our event, we will detail a new study about the implications of these developments for the cost of ownership. It thereby underpins the value of EU regulation.

We will specifically reflect on how the expected review of CO₂ emission reduction targets up to 2030 might help would-be electric drivers across first, second and third-hand markets. Beyond the cost of car ownership, it must also be easy for people to charge their car as they drive around Europe. We will touch upon this ahead of the EU updating its relevant law in this regard: the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive.

Join us to discuss our latest work and forthcoming EU action steering the automotive market into its future.

Speakers include:
 

• Pascal Canfin, European Parliament
• Celine Cluzel, Element Energy
• Mélissa Chevillard, UFC-Que Choisir (French consumer organisation)
• Daniel Mes, European Commission
• Julia Poliscanova, Transport & Environment
• Monique Goyens, BEUC
• Petr Dolejsi, European Automobile Manufacturers' Association – ACEA

Sam Morgan will moderate this debate.

When? 29 April 2021, 10:00 - 11:30am CEST (Brussels time)

Programme:

Introduction by moderator Sam Morgan
Welcome by Monique Goyens, BEUC
The Green Deal political context by Pascal Canfin, Member of European Parliament

The lifetime cost of owning electric: BEUC study

• Research presentation by Celine Cluzel, Element Energy
• National specifics: comments by Mélissa Chevillard, UFC-Que Choisir
• Questions & Answers #1

The role of regulation in the future of automotive markets

• The view of car makers by Petr Dolejsi, European Automobile Manufacturers' Association – ACEA
• The view of environmental groups by Julia Poliscanova, Transport & Environment
• The view of the European Commission by Daniel Mes, Cabinet of European Commission Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans
• Questions & Answers #2

Conclusions by Monique Goyens, BEUC