On 6-9 June 2024, Europeans head to the polls. Their vote in the EU elections will decide the next five years of sustainability policy and, subsequently, how swiftly the EU moves to implement an all-electric future.
At ChargePoint, we are drivers of change, calling for policies that will electrify the future of transportation and foster a greener Europe.
The EU e-mobility sector keeps demonstrating vast growth potential. Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is rising steadily, projections for new job opportunities are expanding, and legislative efforts aim to bring us closer to an electric future. At ChargePoint, our mission is to make EV charging easy for everyone. Since we entered the European market in 2017, we have been reimagining the charging experience by offering reliable, flexible and future-ready solutions powered by our innovative software technology — all because we believe that e-mobility is essential for reaching the full potential of a zero-emission transportation future.
To truly embrace the benefits of e-mobility, we need long-term, consistent regulatory stability. That’s why we call on policymakers to prioritize the implementation of the European Green Deal package, which sets a 2035 deadline for ending the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and deploying a robust EV charging network across Europe. It is essential that every corner of the continent has charging access, enabling all EV drivers to recharge wherever they go. Building a sustainable e-mobility ecosystem in Europe is not solely about reducing emissions; it is also about sparking a long-term movement that champions innovation, creates jobs and supports drivers’ needs.
Our take on the EU elections
What policy priorities should be top-of-mind for policymakers in the upcoming election and within the next Commission mandate?
- Enhancing customer experience. At ChargePoint, we are committed to delivering an exceptional experience for everyone, from fleet operators to EV drivers. Our charging network already provides drivers with seamless access to over 610,000 charging points globally, as well as secure payment options, emphasizing convenience and accessibility. To make the driver experience even more efficient and user-friendly, we are advocating for regulatory changes to create a level playing field across the European Union for deploying EV charging infrastructure, which will simplify charging for EV owners and ensure they can easily power their vehicles, whether at home, work or on the move.
- Driving innovation and harmony. The e-mobility sector has a lot of untapped potential, especially in Europe, which is why we advocate for its expansion and the transition to a harmonized EV charging market. From standardizing charging protocols to incentivizing smart charging technologies, we are advocating for policies that foster innovation and carry the e-mobility revolution forward.
- Increasing transportation electrification. Transportation electrification stands as a cornerstone for achieving EU sustainability targets. In our efforts to contribute to this transition, we welcome the end of sales of new light-duty ICE vehicles by 2035 and new heavy-duty vehicles by 2040. Looking ahead, we are confident that setting ambitious targets for corporate fleets will be a key step in accelerating the transition to e-mobility, thereby ensuring a sustainable future across all modes of transport.
- Fostering data. ChargePoint is committed to using data to drive innovation in the e-mobility sector. We endorse the EU’s data strategy, which aims to create a single market for data to allow it to flow seamlessly within the EU and across sectors, and we believe it has been the right step towards a data economy beneficial to us all. At the same time, we call for clarity on proposals regarding access to in-vehicle data to ensure regulatory certainty and support sector growth.
- Ensuring secure infrastructure. Secure and reliable infrastructure is crucial to creating an e-mobility system that everyone can trust. EU policymakers have been taking essential steps to enhance the level of cybersecurity in the e-mobility sector, but for these measures to make a real difference, it is vital to ensure they are applied consistently and effectively. ChargePoint believes this is how we can strengthen our e-mobility networks and encourage confidence among all users.
As ChargePoint continues to advocate for a cleaner, more efficient and electrified transportation future, we invite policymakers to join us in prioritizing key initiatives that will shape the e-mobility landscape in Europe. We believe that focusing on electrification, fostering data-driven solutions and ensuring secure infrastructure are essential steps towards achieving our vision.
