If we want to decarbonize the economy, now that in the electricity sector the triumph of renewable energies is already indisputable, it is time to address the electrification of the rest of economic activities, so that consumption now covered by gas or oil is covered. by electrical energy, in turn produced by renewable sources. And above all, let’s focus on the automotive sector.
Given current events, one might think that electric mobility is not taking off, that it is better to continue with a polluting car, whether in its undisguised (petrol) or disguised (hybrid) mode. In January 2024, car rental giant Hertz canceled its plans to electrify its fleet and put up for sale the 20,000 electric rental cars it had acquired. Its CEO was fired for opting for electric. Over Easter, some images of a service area on the Valencia motorway where dozens of electric cars were queuing to recharge their vehicles went viral. In June 2024, another crisis erupted in Spain with the resignation of Wayne Griffiths, CEO of Seat and Cupra, from his post as president of the automobile association, arguing that the government was not doing its homework on electrification. And in September, as the talk shows became expert on Lamborghinis, news broke that Volkswagen was considering closing vehicle manufacturing plants in Germany for the first time in history, due to the crisis caused by vehicle competition. Chinese-made electrics. which could have devastating effects on the European automobile industry.
In summary, in recent years, while Volkswagen has been studying how to manipulate the emissions meters of its vehicles to comply with environmental regulations and the employers’ association ANFAC itself has been calling for it to continue polluting cars for longer, China has is silently but firmly committed to reducing emissions. . of transportation by turning to locally manufactured electric vehicles, which could soon flood Western markets, despite attempts to open the doors to the field with border taxes on Chinese electric vehicles, arguing that the Asian giant falsifies competition with aid of all kinds to its industry. (which China undoubtedly does).
Faced with this very negative reality, it is normal that the message sent to the consumer is extremely confusing. Are there too many electric cars and therefore the production of polluting cars in Europe will cease? Is there a lack of chargers and that is why there are queues, or are there not enough chargers because there are no cars that use them? Is the choice between polluting European cars or clean Chinese cars either destroying European industry or destroying the planet? Not to mention the fake news on electric cars that burn out or don’t work when it’s cold.
To clarify some unknowns, let’s return to the data and the propositions. This year, until August, 32,500 electric vehicles were sold in Spain, representing a shameful 4.85% of total sales, and a lower figure than the previous year. There is no need to compare ourselves to the unattainable 80% of Norway, but we should at least aspire to be part of China’s 40%, the Netherlands’ 30%, Germany’s 18% or Portugal, and to exceed Norway’s 16%. French and British. The level of Spain is equivalent to that of the Italians, Greeks or Poles. However, crime is greater in the Spanish case, because Spain has a high level of renewable energy production, and part of the energy wasted due to insufficient electricity consumption could be used to move people instead of burning gasoline. In fact, Spain can become a hub logistics, because, by having the cheapest electrical energy in Europe, it will be possible to have lower costs to move 1,000 kilometers of goods with electricity compared to what it would cost in other countries . And obviously, the cheaper the electricity, the more expensive it is to go electric. Just as the French and Portuguese now put gasoline in Spain before crossing the border due to the favorable taxation of gasoline in Spain compared to most European countries, they should also recharge their electric cars thanks to the makes our clean electricity cheaper than theirs. .
And why then is Spain one of the worst countries in terms of electric mobility, even though it has some of the cheapest electricity in Europe? According to a study by the trade association GANVAM, in 2023, 70% of Spanish consumers said they would not buy an electric car due to its high price, low range and difficulty recharging the car. However, according to a Zap-Map UK report from late 2021, 90% of electric vehicle users are completely satisfied with the change.
There are currently around 150,000 electric cars and around 34,000 charging stations accessible to the public in Spain, as well as another 8,000 stations that are not operational or in the activation phase. According to the electric vehicle association AEDIVE, of the 34,000 operating points, 22,500 were slow charging, 8,200 fast and around 3,300 ultra-fast. But the most interesting fact is that The average use of a charging station is 6.3% of the time. So there is no overall problem with EV chargers (except for some less populated areas), but rather, in most cases, the problem is the lack of vehicles.
It is then appropriate to think about how we can solve the problem of, on the one hand, consumers perceiving that there are not enough chargers, and on the other hand, charger companies verifying that there are not enough cars stopping in their charging zones. . In addition to the aid, which thanks to the MOVES III program is generous and will be so at least until the end of the year, it is necessary to change the public’s perception of the electric vehicle, because, even if they give you the car as a gift, you will not want to use it if you perceive that it will not fulfill its purpose, which is none other than to transport its owner where he needs it.
Incentives should therefore aim for something as simple as removing “anxiety” from the electric vehicle driver, by informing them that the car has sufficient range and that there are multiple charging options. Eliminate mental barriers. To do this, the first thing to do is to announce the availability of refueling points directly to all car users, using a marketing strategy so simple and so unoriginal that it only consists of copying our neighboring countries, such as that of indicating in the road signs, charging stationsjust like service areas and gas stations are indicated. Do not indicate the point once you arrive at the service area, but in the middle of the road, anticipating the information a few kilometers before the charging station. The measure has been debated for years, but has not yet been implemented, and the reality is that billboards on Spanish roads continue to reinforce the fossil model with their advertisements at gas stations. This must change quickly and decisively. Every day that goes by without chargers being reported is another day we are polluting our atmosphere. On the contrary, if drivers receive daily impacts informing them of where they can charge their vehicle, they will nip their charging anxiety in the bud. This signage must also have its digital platform, which in my opinion implies better integrating charging stations into applications like Google Maps or Waze, instead of occupying more phone memory with new monothematic applications.
To this measure, we can add others, such as encouraging, through tax aid, vacation car rental companies or corporate fleets to increase their share of electric vehicles, particularly in suitable destinations. to this type of mobility, like the islands. If during your vacation or in your company car you try the electric vehicle and find that it works, it will make it easier for your next purchase to be an electric vehicle. The same goes for taxis, a perfect means of transport for electric transport, since the more we use a car, with electricity cheaper than gasoline, the greater the savings linked to the transition to electric mobility. No matter how much the manufacturer or this humble columnist assures that the electric vehicle has enough autonomy to operate normally and that there are sufficient charging points, until it is tested, no one is completely convinced.
It is also essential to ensure the availability of charging stations, by establishing punitive measures for those that systematically break down and are left abandoned, or even revoking the right to keep the station in a certain location. And in the same sense, putting an end to the absurd operation of charging through all types of applications, guaranteeing the possibility of paying by card without further registration, as already provided for in European regulations for new points over 50 kW , and that In my opinion, it should be extended to all charging points well before 2027 provided for by the regulations for those over 50 kW, and also for the rest of the powers. Consumer protection regulations provide for the consumer’s right to choose between different payment methods, and the dictatorship of top-up apps and sign-ups is an inexplicably tolerated practice that poses a barrier for consumers. The best way to build customer loyalty is not with an app, but with charging stations that work, offer competitive prices and are correctly signposted.
Finally, we must seriously consider manufacturing electric vehicles in Europe. We still have time. In line with the recent Draghi report, it is necessary to make substantial investments, with a European and not a regional vision, in order to end the root of the dilemma between a clean car or a European car. Europe will soon experience floods of cheap Chinese electric cars, but it is time to respond to the Chinese or North American bet with innovation and an unapologetic European industrial policy, using the best technical, commercial, regulatory and trade of our magnificent continent. to lead the race to manufacture batteries and electric vehicles.
And of course, just as we would be better off if we had polluting electric vehicles, we would also be better off if we had more bikes, subways, trains, trams and buses and if we removed cars, at least, from our cities. . Change trucks for freight trains, and replace fossil-fuelled urban or intercity travel with electric travel by tram, metro, commuter trains or buses. But if we must have cars, because public transport is not always a viable option for all transport needs, we must move to the European-made electric vehicle.
