By the beginning of this month, MEPs expressed that cars should be able to recharge every 60 km and refuel hydrogen every 100 km, while ships use on-shore power supply at ports to help the EU become climate neutral by 2050. The Transport and Tourism Committee adopted a draft negotiating mandate on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure by 36 votes to 2 and 6 abstentions on Monday evening. It aims to spur the deployment of recharging or alternative refuelling stations (such as electric or hydrogen) for cars, trucks, trains and planes and support the uptake of sustainable vehicles.

Simple recharging

Users of alternative fuel vehicles should be able to pay easily, the price should be displayed per kWh or per kg, be affordable, comparable and accessible to all vehicle brands.  MEPs also want an EU access point for alternative fuels data to be set up by 2027 to provide information on the availability, waiting times and prices at different stations.

EP rapporteur on alternative fuels infrastructure Ismail Ertug (S&D, DE) said: “Sustainable alternative fuels and the deployment of their infrastructure play a key role in the transition to a successful decarbonisation of the transport sector. By expanding charging infrastructure more quickly, we are making the transition to climate-friendly mobility easier for people and the industry.”

EP rapporteur on sustainable maritime fuels Jörgen Warborn (EPP, SE) stressed: “With today’s vote, we lay out by far the most ambitious pathway to maritime decarbonisation in the world. This agreement strikes the balance between ensuring that our climate targets are met efficiently while safeguarding the maritime sector’s competitiveness and shielding industries and families from rising prices.”

Next steps

Once Parliament as a whole has approved this draft negotiating position at the October II plenary session, MEPs will be ready to start talks with EU governments on the final shape of the legislation.

Source: European Parliament