Report on high-level meeting on accelerating electrification of transport in Europe

Electrification of the transport sector can enhance the competitiveness of European industry, raise the level of self-sufficiency and contribute to achieving the EU’s climate goals.

At a two-day meeting, senior officials from the Member States and Iceland, Norway and Switzerland discussed how to accelerate electrification. It was emphasised that the technology is available, but increased collaboration is required to implement a rapid transition.

The effects of climate change are increasingly impacting Europe. Russia’s ongoing and full-scale invasion of Ukraine has made it clear that the EU must quickly become independent of fossil fuels and accelerate the transition. At the same time, solutions that allow electrification of transport are already available, or will be in the near future, and the chances are good that accelerated electrification can also contribute to enhanced competitiveness.

Sweden invited heads of agencies and senior officials from the energy and transport sectors (all forms of transport) to discuss how to accelerate electrification. The delegates were also offered study visits. Mobility Sweden allowed the participants to test drive electric vehicles, Candela presented the factory where it makes electric hydrofoil vessels, and they were shown preparations for electric aviation at Arlanda Airport.

Paths forward

At the meeting, it was made clear that it is technically possible for the transport sector to transition to zero emissions. Everything from 60-tonne electric trucks to battery-powered ferries, electric airplanes and trains powered by hydrogen gas can be purchased today or will be available to order in the near future.

It was emphasised that increased collaboration is crucial. A large number of actors must collaborate, and this collaboration must take new forms, take place between different sectors and forms of transport, and throughout value chains.

The transport and energy sectors need to work together. Joint efforts by actors such as electricity grid owners and ports, airports, charge point operators and vehicle manufacturers can create conditions to make electricity available to meet future needs.

All forms of transport need to cooperate using a systems perspective to contribute to the electrification of all parts of the sector. Actors throughout the entire value chain need to be involved to enable rapid implementation of effective solutions.

The need for new financing solutions and business models was also emphasised as actors take on new roles, and traditional transport hubs such as airports, ports and depots provide charging infrastructure, produce electricity and organise the distribution of alternative fuels.

Below is a summary of the six breakout sessions that were held at the ACCENT meeting:

Realising the full potential of the battery revolution

Developments in the field of European battery manufacturing demonstrate that Europe can create new industries quickly. Two significant future obstacles that need to be addressed are access to raw materials and expertise.

The potential of electric roads

Financial calculations show that electric roads have the potential to electrify road transport in a resource-efficient manner. Demonstration stretches have shown that functioning technology is available, but there are advantages and disadvantages of using different technologies. No overall analysis of electric roads in the EU has been conducted.

Charging infrastructure that accelerates the transition

The expansion of suitable charging infrastructure is crucial to accelerate the transition. Different types of charging stations meet the various needs of those who use electric vehicles, but the starting point is to be able to charge the vehicle at home or at a depot and to use public charging alongside major roads as a supplement. At the ACCENT meeting, it was emphasised that actors working through partnerships become more adaptable when needs become uncertain or change, and that collaboration on planned expansion make matching investments possible.

The new role of ports

Through electrification, ports will have the opportunity to enhance their roles, both as energy producers and by distributing energy to both sea and land transport. Ports are hubs for several forms of transport and can provide charging points and alternative fuels, but they can also require that those who use a port make the transition. At the ACCENT meeting, the importance of enhancing cooperation and building knowledge on electricity needs was emphasised so that investments in electricity grids can be made well in advance. Other topics included the need to shorten permit processes for expanding electricity grids and good conditions for pioneers.

Making Europe ready for electric aviation

The first commercial electric airplanes will be introduced in some five years. Smaller electrical airplanes enable new routes and the use of smaller airports that currently have little traffic. Electric aviation can therefore increase availability, particularly in sparsely-populated areas where mountains and watercourses have to be crossed.

Electrification of the railway – how can we close the gap?

Some 57 per cent of railways in the EU are electric and it is unprofitable to electrify many of the non-electric railways using contact lines. Several options, including battery-powered, hydrogen and hybrid locomotives are available, but they require other business models to have an impact.