What comes to mind when you hear the words "self-driving electric taxi"? Chances are, you’ve seen such vehicles on the road or in online videos. We need brilliant inventors and favorable social and legislative conditions to turn this sci-fi concept into reality.
No matter how advanced a technology is, if the infrastructure and regulations in the industry aren’t ready, its adoption will, at the very least, be significantly delayed. Here's how EU legislation is driving the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs).
EU's push for a greener future
The EU aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, with an intermediate goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% compared to 1990 levels by 2030. Among the 14 measures planned to meet these objectives, two are directly related to promoting EV adoption.
Europe is the second-largest EV market globally, following China. In 2023, 14.6% of all new car sales in the EU were electric. While this is a substantial figure, achieving ambitious goals like selling only zero-emission vehicles by 2035 will require much more effort.
On the legislative front, the EU has already set conditions for establishing a continent-wide EV charging network. For instance, the “60 km Rule” mandates that charging stations must be installed every 60 kilometers along the Trans-European Transport Network. Another rule focuses on energy efficiency: new buildings and those undergoing major renovations must include charging stations or conduits for EV charging in parking areas.
Businesses are adapting
EU energy consumption is expected to decrease by at least 32.5% by 2030. Transitioning to EVs and building charging infrastructure are crucial steps toward achieving this target.
Additionally, various EU countries already offer EV adoption incentives, subsidies, and tax breaks. While no unified rules exist, each country decides how to encourage its citizens and businesses to make the switch.
For example:
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Switzerland exempts private EV owners from property taxes.
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Belgium provides individuals and NGOs with €5,000 for purchasing a new zero-emission vehicle.
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Croatia offers bonuses of up to €9,333.
“For commercial fleets, using EVs also brings new challenges. Monitoring EVs becomes crucial as fleet owners need to track battery levels, plan routes efficiently, and receive timely vehicle status alerts. These factors directly impact business resources. Smart monitoring solutions provide such functionalities, and we’re seeing a growing demand for this kind of software,” notes Gurtam, a leading telematics solutions provider.
The increasing number of EVs on the road will undoubtedly reshape the transport industry. However, progress faces hurdles such as insufficient charging infrastructure and the high cost of EVs.
Are we ready for self-driving cars?
The development of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology is progressing at a slower pace than EV adoption, and for good reason: it’s not just a change in energy source but a fundamental shift in how vehicles operate. This transformation requires solving numerous technical challenges and addressing ethical questions.
Legislation is already paving the way for AVs. For instance:
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Safety regulations have been adopted, ensuring a gradual shift in car designs and driving experiences.
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Technology testing is underway. Although Europe lags behind China and the US, AV trials are regularly conducted in countries like Germany, France, and the UK.
Currently, AVs operate at Level 4 autonomy, meaning they can handle all driving tasks within specific conditions and locations. However, the ultimate goal — Level 5 autonomy, where a car can navigate any road and weather condition without driver intervention — has yet to be achieved.
Challenges on the road to innovation
The main obstacles to EVs remain high costs and uneven infrastructure development. EU countries' experience shows that EV purchase incentives need to stay in place. In Germany, for example, EV demand plummeted after subsidies were withdrawn. In August 2024, EV sales in Germany were 69% lower than in the same month the previous year.
It’s not just about government support; many car owners resist change, preferring the faster refueling process of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles over the longer charging times for EVs.
In Italy, officials are urging the EU to reconsider the ban on ICE car sales after 2035, arguing that the plan is unrealistic and poses economic risks. The key is for EU countries to align on the primary goal (decarbonization) while working together to address secondary issues (timelines for phasing out ICEs).
The future is just around the corner
Despite the challenges, the transition to EVs and the adoption of self-driving cars are imminent. Many buyers are already willing to choose greener transportation options, even if charging may be inconvenient. Rising fuel prices and government incentives motivate consumers to explore new options, and as infrastructure improves, interest will continue to grow.
Autonomous public transport is already being tested on the streets of EU cities. These are early steps, but as the saying goes, the road is made by walking—or, in this case, driving. Let’s ensure it’s a smooth and reliable journey.
