Europe’s road transport electrification needs more than long-term targets, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association and E-Mobility Europe.

The two industry groups have urged the European Commission to use its upcoming Electrification Action Plan to introduce concrete measures that make zero-emission vehicles easier to buy, charge and operate across the EU.

Their joint position places battery-electric cars, vans, trucks and buses at the centre of the transition, arguing that faster electrification can support both lower transport emissions and stronger European energy security.

Demand Remains a Key Challenge

One of the main concerns is whether enough drivers and businesses are ready to switch to electric vehicles.

Manufacturers can increase the number of battery-electric models on the market, but sales growth also depends on purchase prices, charging availability and the cost of electricity.

ACEA and E-Mobility Europe therefore want the Commission to support measures that stimulate demand rather than focusing only on supply-side targets.

For private buyers, that could mean making electric ownership more economically attractive and predictable. For commercial fleets, vans, trucks and buses, the calculation is even more dependent on total operating costs and reliable access to charging.

Electricity Costs Matter

The organisations also identify electricity prices as an important barrier.

An electric vehicle becomes less financially attractive when charging costs are high or unpredictable, particularly for businesses operating large fleets.

Lower and more transparent electricity costs could strengthen the economic case for switching away from conventional vehicles.

This issue is especially important for heavy-duty transport, where energy consumption is much higher than for passenger cars and charging infrastructure requires substantial power capacity.

Electricity Costs Matter

The organisations also identify electricity prices as an important barrier.

An electric vehicle becomes less financially attractive when charging costs are high or unpredictable, particularly for businesses operating large fleets.

Lower and more transparent electricity costs could strengthen the economic case for switching away from conventional vehicles.

This issue is especially important for heavy-duty transport, where energy consumption is much higher than for passenger cars and charging infrastructure requires substantial power capacity.

More Charging Infrastructure

The letter also calls for faster deployment of charging stations.

Europe has been expanding its public charging network, but availability remains uneven between countries and regions. Commercial vehicles create additional challenges because trucks and buses often need high-power chargers, suitable locations and stronger connections to the electricity grid.

The groups argue that infrastructure development needs to keep pace with vehicle electrification rather than following it years later.

Without sufficient charging capacity, emissions targets alone may struggle to produce the desired transition.

Smart Charging Could Help the Grid

Another priority is smart and bidirectional charging.

Smart charging can shift electricity demand to times when the grid has more available capacity or energy prices are lower.

Bidirectional technology goes further by allowing compatible electric vehicles to return electricity to a building or the wider grid when needed.

Used at scale, these technologies could make electric vehicles part of the energy system rather than simply another source of electricity demand.

Private Investment Is Essential

ACEA and E-Mobility Europe also want EU policy to create stronger conditions for private investment.

Building charging networks, upgrading grids and transforming vehicle fleets will require substantial capital, and public funding alone will not be enough.

Clear regulations, predictable market conditions and viable business models could encourage companies to invest more quickly.