EQUANS, a multi-stakeholder in EV charging

The decarbonisation of transport involves the electrification of vehicles (passengers and freight). EQUANS has already positioned itself to meet the demand for recharging stations, which are essential for the success of this energy transition.

From 2035 onwards, it will be forbidden to equip new vehicles with internal combustion engines throughout the European Union.

The European Commission's text, approved by the Parliament on 8 June, changes the situation dramatically for the automotive industry. The electric vehicle (EV) is the big winner, especially the car, which had already started to gain market share: 10% of new registrations in the first quarter of 2022 in the European Union, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). And according to a study by Alix Partners, it will dominate the world market in 2035: 85% of sales in Europe will be electric, 62% in North America and 64% in China.

The objective of the European Parliament's vote is little discussed: to drastically reduce CO2 emissions from private cars, in order to achieve the objective of climate neutrality in 2050 (Climate Plan).

In 2019, according to the IPCC, transport accounts for 15% of greenhouse gas emissions. Of this share, passenger and freight road transport (cars, lorries, buses, two-wheelers) is by far the most responsible. However, for electric vehicles to take hold and for the decarbonisation of transport to be effective, their users will have to be able to rely on accessible recharging networks that guarantee their autonomy.

The public authorities are well aware of this and are ready to invest. In France, a February 2021 decree stipulates that the 440 motorway stations must be equipped with EV charging stations by 1 January 2023. The European Commission wants to impose the presence of an ultra-fast charging station every 60 kilometres on major roads from 2025. In the United States, the Biden administration aims to have 500,000 additional charging stations installed by 2030. EQUANS has already positioned itself to meet these needs.