The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF), in collaboration with the Enel Foundation, have just released a Policy Paper on “E-Vehicles and the Energy Transformation” examining the impacts of e-Mobility in Europe and the U.S.
The Policy paper synthesizes the results of a series of transatlantic workshops organized by the two entities on the role of electric mobility in the energy sector in Europe and the United States, involving experts from both sides of the Atlantic. These informal, invitation-only workshops took place in Washington and Brussels, with each featuring approximately two-dozen experts from all parts of the energy, digital and automotive eco-system discussing core policy issues informally and off the record in a moderated “whole of table” conversation.
The collaboration sought to explore opportunities offered by digitalization for transformation and innovation in the transport sector with the electrification of vehicles. In addition, the group of experts also examined the effects of widespread electric mobility on energy systems, looking at how digital technologies can help manage and integrate renewable electricity and batteries, including those on EVs.
The paper, now published, helps understand the implications of e-vehicles adoption considering estimations for 2020 and 2030, and illustrates how e-vehicles and digitalization change distributed energy systems. It also provides insights into the effects of electrifying public transportation systems and shared mobility versus private vehicles, thus anticipating concrete issues on the role of cities and major fleet operators in undertaking a transition to e-Mobility. The policy dimension is also examined by addressing existing frameworks in the E.U. and U.S. and providing comparative analysis.
Giuseppe Montesano, Deputy Director of Enel Foundation, commented, “Recognizing and facilitating the role of e-vehicles to reduce greenhouse-gas and pollutants emissions from the transport sector should be a priority for European and U.S. policymakers. The two workshops that we have had the pleasure to organize with GMF have suggested the importance of key steps such as adopting appropriate pricing structures and stimulating investment in charging infrastructure”.
Peter Chase, Senior Fellow of GMF added, “The support of Enel Foundation and the valuable comments from Enel X experts during the workshops and follow up discussions was pivotal to highlight the implications of e-Mobility in the profound transformations on the energy sector. Whether we consider the system’s ability to accommodate decentralized renewable resources, to store electricity and manage the grid in a flexible way to deliver smart charging or vehicle to grid services, the role of e-vehicle in the energy system should be a priority for European and U.S. politicians and policymakers.”
Founded in 1972 as a non-partisan, non-profit organization, GMF strengthens transatlantic cooperation on regional, national, and global challenges and opportunities in the spirit of the Marshall Plan. GMF contributes research and analysis and convenes leaders on transatlantic issues relevant to policymakers. In addition to its headquarters in Washington, DC, GMF has offices in Berlin, Paris, Brussels, Belgrade, Ankara, Bucharest, and Warsaw. GMF also has smaller representations in Bratislava, Turin, and Stockholm.