New EU rules have been adopted to ensure alternative fuel infrastructure is in place across Europe. Common standards for the design and use of alternative refuelling points have been proposed, with measures including a common charging plug for electric vehicles. Member States must set targets and present their plans to the EU Commission by the end of 2016.
“Alternative fuels are key to improving the security of energy supply, reducing the impact of transport on the environment and boosting EU competitiveness”, said Siim Kallas, Commissioner for Transport. “With these new rules, the EU provides long-awaited legal certainty for companies to start investing, and the possibility for economies of scale. EU Member States requested flexibility in deploying the infrastructure. It is now up to them to develop the right national policy frameworks.”
The move has been roundly welcomed by UK industry. An SMMT spokesman said, “UK demand for ultra-low emission vehicles is growing strongly – but if this is to continue, the development of an infrastructure capable of supporting increasing vehicle numbers is essential. SMMT therefore welcomes this directive and the integrated approach it provides across a range of fuel types.”
With the new ‘directive for the deployment of the alternative fuels infrastructure’, Member States will have to provide a minimum infrastructure for alternative fuels such as electricity, hydrogen and natural gas, as well as common EU-wide standards for equipment needed and user information. Access to liquefied natural gas (LNG) for inland barges and maritime ships will help meet sulphur emission limits in sensitive areas.
Click here for more information on the detail of the new regulation.
