Vice President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Transport, Siim Kallas today (19 February) presented the Clean Power Power for Transport package to the Transport and Tourism Committee at the European Parliament which aims to facilitate the development of alternative fuel stations across Europe with common standards for their design and use. The strategy introduces a set of binding targets on member states to overcome the reliance on oil which costs the EU over EUR1 billion every year. Mr Kallas said that this legislation will ensure the build up of the necessary infrastructure. He stated that this is a pro business initiative and the involvement of the private sector in the deployment of infrastructure would relieve the financial burden from EU funds.
Members of Parliament welcomed the proposal and were happy to see the diverse approach that was being taken by the Commission and the range of alternative fuels that were included in the package. Members however did stress the need for the provision of information to the consumer. Information coupled with the infrastructure being in place would give consumers the confidence to buy alternative fuel powered vehicles.
It was confirmed that proposed type 2 plug has now been set as standard and where type 3 plug charging plugs had already been installed a transition would be organised, this was confirmed by Matthias Ruete, Director General, DG Move.
Mr Kallas concluded by stating that this package would have an enormous impact on how we think of mobility in the future, however in comparison to the US and China this is a late development.