On November 8th, 2012, the European Commission (EC) issued the long awaited Cars 2020  Communication, adopting the CASR 2020 Action Plan to boost the competitiveness and sustainability of Europe’s automotive industry in the 2020 deadline framework focussing on:

– Investment in advanced technology and innovation;

– Improvement of market conditions;

– Enhancement of competitiveness on the global stage;

– Structure management and change anticipation.

A proposal for an Alternative Fuels Strategy is scheduled for the end of this month, including the adoption alternative fuel infrastructure legislation (as part of the Clean Power for Transport package) aiming to establish infrastructure deployment minimum targets for electricity, hydrogen and natural gas . The Commission will be closely monitoring the implementation of ‘practical and satisfactory solutions for the infrastructure side of the re-charging interface for electric vehicles’ as well as the proper implementation of the National Renewable Energy Action Plan. An important promise was also made regarding fuel compatibility and the fuel labeling scheme, aimed at establishing a comprehensive means of informing the consumers on the growing number of alternative fuels that are being made available across Europe. The institution has called for public support in the form of pilot projects, standardization, investment support and legislation.

Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship Antonio Tajani has stated that “This is the first test, as difficult as it is vital, of our real willingness to promote a new policy”. The CARS 2020 program would also present further possibilities for cooperation between the EC and the European Investment Bank.

The EHA has collaborated with the Commission in the Future Transport Fuels expert group to define infrastructure requirements for hydrogen.