Radio Schuman Can European carmakers go green without going bust ?
Feb 12, 2025
Julia Poliscanova leads the charge on electric vehicles at Transport & Environment in Brussels. In this insightful discussion, she dives into the obstacles European carmakers face with stringent EU emissions regulations. The conversation tackles the electric vehicle dilemma, highlighting stagnant sales due to high prices and limited models. Poliscanova emphasizes the urgency of complying with CO2 targets and the need for affordable options. She also discusses the impact of upcoming regulatory initiatives and transatlantic trade tensions, framing the future of the automotive industry.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Carmakers' Panic Mode
- Carmakers often enter a 'panic mode' just before compliance deadlines. They complain but ultimately comply, as seen in previous years.
- This behavior is predictable and has been observed multiple times before the enforcement of emission targets.
Boost Electric Vehicle Demand
- Focus on building affordable electric vehicle models to stimulate demand in the mass market. This approach can help carmakers comply with emission targets effectively.
- Unlock demand through policies that support corporate fleets transitioning to electric vehicles.
Consumer Demand for Electric Vehicles
- In France, a leasing scheme for small electric vehicles was oversubscribed five times within a month, indicating high consumer demand. This suggests that people are keen on affordable electric options when available.
- The anecdote highlights the potential for mass market electric vehicles to succeed if priced correctly.