September 2019 edition of the DecarbEurope primer on electric vehicles, reviewing some of the major issues to address in the coming years: * low-emission zones * right-to-plug * 150 kW network

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Electric
Vehicles
September 2019 - Primer 2, Edition 1

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The goal of DecarbEurope is to engage decision-makers in policy
and industry with solutions that can, in a cost-effective manner,
decarbonise Europe at the scale and speed that is needed to
achieve our climate goals.
As an ecosystem of twenty sectors — and growing — the
initiative connects technologies, policies, and markets. Partners
of DecarbEurope commit themselves to common values of deep
decarbonisation, cost-effectiveness, circularity, sector-coupling
and consumer engagement.
About

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Given the transport sector’s 25% contribution to the total
greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, it urgently requires large-
scale, market-ready decarbonisation solutions. The rapidly
developing European electric vehicle market offers exactly that.
Stimulated by favourable EU policies, we are on the verge of a
long-awaited breakthrough of electric vehicles. Several European
automotive manufacturers have made clear commitments
concerning the electrification of their fleets. Many new electric
vehicle (EV) models will be entering the market in the coming
years. Total cost of ownership for EV models is rapidly approaching
parity with combustion engine vehicles.
There is no denying that the electrification of transport is here to
stay but the question remains how exactly technology and markets
will evolve, how fast, and what role the EU can play on a global level.
There are still a few remaining barriers such as the installation of
charging points in existing residential buildings and an adequate
public charging infrastructure along highways and urban areas.
These need to be addressed collaboratively by policy makers and
industry to evolve towards a highly electrified transport sector with
the EU as a front-runner.
Consumer support will also remain indispensable to ensure
fast market uptake. The benefits of EV technology should be
communicated effectively, and where necessary, incentives used
to support the market transition.
Editorial

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Industry is a key player in delivering innovative technologies
that benefit consumers, but it can only do so if supported by
an appropriate legislative framework. Well-targeted public
investments, the stimulation of innovative business models, and
a coherent and long-term EU policy will be key to a successful
market transition
.
Diego Garcia Carvajal, Emobility
Programme Manager – Copper
Alliance
(Photo: Copper Alliance)

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Transport is a large contributor to energy-related CO2
emissions in the
EU-28 and almost three-quarters of those emissions are caused by
road transport. Parallel with the need for decarbonisation, European
cities are acting against road transport-related air pollution. EVs
provide the solution for both issues. They have zero local emissions,
andtheir(indirect)greenhousegasemissionsaregoingdowntogether
with the fast decarbonisation rate of the EU electricity sector.
EVs have high energy efficiency and their economic efficiency is
increasing rapidly thanks to mass production.
Moreover, the emobility sector has the potential to turn some of its
current market barriers into future advantages. One of those barriers
is the material use in batteries and other EV components. The uptake
of EVs could stimulate the development of a circular economy for
batteries, promoting second life and recycling. Investing in this sector
will greatly facilitate the management of strategic raw materials.
A second barrier is the need to strengthen electricity grids for massive
EV charging. With the right approach, the impact on the distribution
grids is manageable. By incorporating systems of Demand Side
Management (DSM) into EV charging systems, they could even be
turned into a benefit for the grid. DSM can assist grid operators in
balancing variable renewable energy input without costly upgrades to
infrastructure and at the same time allow energy consumers to save
money on their monthly energy bill.
Benefits beyond
decarbonisation

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Policy coherence between municipal, national and EU
policy makers.
In order to ensure a steady increase in EV uptake in the
medium term, consistency of policies and incentives for
emobility at multiple governance levels is needed.
Support the roll-out of public charging infrastructure.
To support the growth of the EV fleet, charging
infrastructure should be rolled-out swiftly. Both 150 kW
charging infrastructure on the TEN-T Core Network and
smart charging points in urban environments that can
prioritise off-peak hours will be needed.
Incentivise business models that create a circular
economy for EVs.
Projects that enhance the recycling rates of materials
used in EVs should be stimulated. In particular, the
development of an industry specialized in battery re-
use and recycling could provide the EU with a global
competitive advantage.
Policy solutions
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Create the right regulatory conditions for DSM in EV
charging.
This includes smart charging facilities, as well as the
roll-out of vehicle-to-grid applications that make use
of EV batteries as short-term storage for the grid.
Support consumers through the market transition.
Both potential and actual EV users can benefit from
incentives (e.g. tax exemption) that will encourage
them to drive electric. Limiting those incentives in
time will make them more cost-effective. On top of
that, clear communication to educate consumers on
how to navigate in the continuously evolving market
will contribute significantly to a swift transition.
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The cost of purchasing large electric vehicles in the EU is
expected to become equal to that of traditional vehicles
by 2022.
Around 1,740 million barrels of oil per year could be saved
by 2050 globally through the transition to a zero-emission
passenger car fleet.
European countries leading the transition to electrification
include Norway, UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
More than 100 Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) models are
expected to be on the market by 2022, and 45% of light-
duty vehicles are expected to be electric by 2040 in Europe
(≈ 300 million units).
In March 2019, more than half of the new passenger
cars sold in Norway were fully electric (BEVs) – a world
premiere.
Facts
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Currently (2019), just over 1.2 million electric and plug-
in hybrid vehicles are registered in Europe.
Currently (2019), nine European countries have plans
to increasingly restrict the use of internal combustion
engine (ICE) vehicles.
One of the largest EV battery recycling plants in the
world is in Europe and can recycle around 35,000 EV
batteries per year.
From a well-to-wheel perspective, EVs emit less
carbon than diesel or petrol vehicles, even with the
current electricity mix in the EU.
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Sources: Bloomberg, EAFO, Norsk Elbilforening, SLoCaT, Umicore, RAP.
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Interview
How can policy makers support consumers in the transition to
emobility?
Norway and the Netherlands are leading both in the number of electric
vehicles and in the number of charging points. Norway in particular is
performing well. From the very beginning they have had a strong long-
term policy framework in support of electric vehicles. This stands in
contrast to other European countries where policies on a shorter term
have failed to provide the right market signals.
In what ways can we increase the sustainability of electric car
manufacturing?
Switching to renewable energy to power both the production and the
charging of EVs is a natural next step to increase sustainability. There
is also potential to improve sustainability at the end of the life. Both
the re-purposing of batteries and ensuring battery recycling make
EVs more sustainable. It contributes to a reduction of their life-cycle
greenhouse gas emissions and minimizes the amount of material
waste stemming from scrapping cars.
Whatiscurrently thelargestbarrier todrivinganelectricvehicle?And
how will this change in the coming years?
Simply ordering an EV is a challenge, with long waiting lists due to low
production quotas in many European countries. However, much of this

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will change now as European manufacturers have decided to invest
fully in electrification, with many EV models coming on the market in
the next couple of years. These recent announcements, combined with
improved battery technology, ultrafast charging points and increased
EV driving ranges ensure there will soon be no excuse left not to go
electric.
What is the most promising trend coming from the academic and
research side of electromobility?
When it comes to EVs and the related battery technology, the main
trendusedtobeafocusondrivingrangeandchargingspeeds.However,
the most promising research in battery technology currently ongoing,
namelythatonthesolid-statebattery(whichiscobalt-free),willenable
car manufacturers to reduce their production cost. This translates into
lower prices on the mass market and will therefore further contribute
to EV uptake in Europe.
Philippe Vangeel, Secretary
General, AVERE
(Photo: AVERE)

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Success stories
AMSTERDAM ARENA
The Netherlands
The Johan Cruijff Arena hosts major sport events and concerts for
up to 68,000 visitors. Thanks to the 1,128 MW of solar panels on the
roof, it produces around 12% of its energy needs. This vast renewable
production makes a great supply of clean energy to charge EVs,
which translates into an increase in clean kilometres for visitors to
the Arena. The Energy Storage System integrates bi-directional EV
chargers, peak shaving and back-up services into one system. As a
result, electric vehicles can both power events and be charged with
clean energy through the Arena’s Energy Services.

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WIRELESS FAST-CHARGING FOR TAXIES IN OSLO
Norway
The city of Oslo is building wireless fast-charging infrastructure
for taxis, in a co-operation with clean-energy company Fortum
and technology provider Momentum Dynamics. The system will
make use of induction technology. Charging plates are installed in
the ground at taxi parking places and the cars are equipped with
receivers. It will be the first of this kind in the world. Up to now, a
time-consuming charging procedure had been a major barrier for
the electrification of taxi fleets. With wireless chargers, taxis can
fast-charge at their own stands where they would be waiting for
new customers anyway. From 2023 onward, all taxis in Oslo will be
electric.
PHOTOS
(Opposite) Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam
(Above) Wireless charging terminat in the city of Oslo

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Roll-out of 150 kW
charging infrastructure
For EVs to become competitive in terms of functionality, a network of
fast-charging points along highways is crucial. This will enable drivers
tocoverlongdistanceswithout the needto make lengthyintermediate
pauses to charge the battery. The private sector is currently reluctant
to invest in such 150 kW charging points. As long as the number of EVs
ontheroadislow,itwilltakeyearsbeforetheinstallationandoperation
will become profitable. Joint public-private partnerships are therefore
indispensable to bridge the time until more EVs hit the road.
National authorities should define the locations that are eligible. A
goodpracticewouldbetohavechargingstationsalongtheTEN-TCore
Network every 60 kilometres, with access from both directions of the
road. In the rollout, priority can be given to locations where there is no
clear business case yet.
In a first phase, every location should consist of two 150 kW charging
points that can charge EVs simultaneously, making use of a CCS
Combo2 connector (a Combined Charging System connector with
additional contacts to allow high-power DC fast charging). Real-time
charging data should be provided freely on an open platform.
The incentives should preferably be organised via inverse auctions,
starting from a realistic estimation of the investment cost and the
operational expenses. A periodic review can ascertain whether
subsidies for operational expenses are still required. If the utilisation
level of the double charging point is approaching saturation, a new
auction can be organised for installing additional charging points.

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Right-to-plug
Between 80 to 90% of the electricity used by the vehicle is charged
from private premises, mostly at home. A European passenger car runs
less than 50 km every day on average. With the performance of the
latestbatteryelectricmodelsitispossibletoreplenishtheenergyused
during the day in less than three hours with a 3.7 kW charger.
According to a mobility survey conducted by the European
Commission’s Joint Research Centre, 18% of European cars are parked
in a shared private parking area (additional 14% on owned premises,
25% in public parking areas, 42% on the street).
Right-to-plug aims at those who park in a shared garage. It means that
a prior communication to the community of the residential building
suffices to install a charger connected to the apartment meter at the
owner’s expense.
ThisprocedureisalreadyincludedintheCommissionRecommendation
on Building Modernisation related to the revised Energy Performance
of Buildings Directive (EPBD). However, the directive’s minimum
requirements for pre-equipment of new and renovated buildings with
charging points are currently not satisfactory. Member States should
go beyond the EPBD minimum requirements when implementing the
directive.

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Wireless charging:
essential for emobility
Newly introduced EVs are capable of charging wirelessly rather
than tethered to a power cable. This technology can avoid that cities
are invaded by charging poles and makes the experience for users
more convenient.
Why it matters
Member States and car manufacturers need to increase the share
of EVs, which implies that consumers must be convinced to buy
them. Wireless EV charging is so straightforward that consumers
can use it without having to think about it.
How it works
The system relies on resonant charging. Electricity is transferred
across an air gap between two magnetic coils. Users are identified
before starting the charging session and afterwards they are
invoiced. All wireless.
The catch
Car manufacturers will have to make sure their vehicles are
compliant with industry standards for interoperability, while state
and local governments will need to install wireless charging
infrastructure along streets and in public parking facilities. Tools to
book charging places in advance should be made available.

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Where it stands
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) announced a
new recommended specification for wireless and plug-in
electric vehicles, putting wireless charging on track for global
standardisation. Various car models currently in production already
include wireless charging technology.
Standardisation will help manufacturers with their product design
and will ensure that future charging infrastructure will support all
brands.
Peter Wambsganss, Director
of Business Development for
Europe, WiTricity
(Photo: WiTricity)

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Low Emission Zones
(LEZs)
Low Emission Zones are not new. They have been implemented in many
European cities for years to tackle urban air pollution. They basically
restrict the access of the most polluting vehicles to the city centre by
banning these vehicles or imposing a charge on them.
Given that no air pollution level is safe according to the World Health
Organization, LEZs already in place should gradually be improved to
become Zero Emission Zones.
Equally as important as the emission reductions obtained within the
LEZ boundaries is the fact that LEZs work as a permanent reminder to
vehicle users that other vehicle technologies exist that are cleaner and
more convenient to use. Such a permanent signal will accelerate the
emobility transition and improve air quality across the whole city, not
just the LEZ.

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Synergies between the
transport, digital and
energy sectors
Emobilitydoesnotjusthaveadirectbenefitintermsofdecarbonisation,
but also supports the development of innovative business models,
stimulatingsynergiesbetweenthetransport,digitalandenergysectors.
One example is the development of smart charging technology that
enables EVs to charge at off-peak hours and supports vehicle-to-
grid energy transfers. This highly digital technology can support grid
managementinapowersystemwithincreasingpenetrationofvariable
renewables.
Another example is the use of blockchain solutions to create a stable
andsecurewaytotracetheuseofmaterialsontheirjourneythroughout
the lifecycle of an electric vehicle. This can ensure that materials are
sustainablysourcedrightfromthestartandrecycledattheend-of-life.
As a part of the DecarbEurope portfolio, EVs work well together with
other solutions such as demand response, electric motors, energy
finance, energy management, energy storage and hydrogen. When
autonomous driving becomes a reality, they can also play an increasing
role in personalised public transport.

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Further reading
EAFO. The transition to a Zero Emission Vehicles fleet for cars in the EU by
2050. http://j.mp/dce_ev1
Good report on CO2 emissions and economics of ZEVs, lead by Bert
Witkamp.
UBS. (2019). Longer Term Investments - Smart mobility. http://j.mp/dce_ev2
Compelling analysis on the current status of emobility technology
and the key factors that will shape its long term evolution.
IEA. (2019). Global EV Outlook 2019. http://j.mp/dce_ev3
The annual IEA- GEVO is a must-read reference. Also worth to review
issues from previous years to observe the changes in the topics
covered. Its long-term conclusions are particularly noteworthy.
elementenergy for BEUC. (2016). Low carbon cars in the 2020s: Consumer
impacts and Eu policy implications. http://j.mp/dce_ev4
A good reference on the economics of electric vehicles with very
powerful argument for consumers, especially professional users.
Since the time it was written in 2016, these economics have only
improved.
Netherlands Enterprise Agency. (2019). Electric vehicle charging.
http://j.mp/dce_ev5
Deployment of public charging infrastructure in cities and highways
is critical for the emobility transition, especially the next couple
of years. This ‘basic dictionary’ will be very useful to the many
dialogues are taking place.
Nationale Plattform Elektromobilitaet. (2017). The German Standardisation
Roadmap Electric Mobility 2020. http://j.mp/dce_ev6
Excellent summary of the work ahead on standards, worth to
highlight the section on wireless charging for cars, key for the mass
uptake of EVs by consumers without off-street parking, and ready
much sooner that many expect.

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©DecarbEurope, 2019
#DecarbEurope
www.decarbeurope.org