European Parliament approves Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation

The European Parliament has adopted its position on a legislative proposal to boost the deployment of alternative charging and refuelling stations (such as electric or hydrogen) for cars, trucks, trains and aircraft, and to encourage the use of sustainable vehicles. The bill is part of the Fit for 55 2030 package, the European Union’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

MEPs agreed to impose minimum national targets for the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure. Member States will have until 2024 to submit their plans to achieve them.

According to the text approved by the plenary, by 2026 there should be at least one charging station for electric vehicles every 60 kilometers on the main roads of the European Union. The same requirement will apply to lorries and buses, but only on some roads part of the trans-European networks (TEN-T) and with more powerful stations. There will be exceptions for the outermost regions, islands and roads with very little traffic.

Parliament also proposes to establish hydrogen refuelling stations along the main roads of the European Union (every 100 kilometres and not every 150 kilometres, as proposed by the Commission) and to do so earlier (by 2028, instead of 2031).

What alternative fuel filling stations should look like

Alternative refuelling stations shall be accessible to all vehicle brands and shall be easy to pay. The price, which will have to be per kWh or per kilo, must be affordable and comparable. MEPs also want data on alternative fuels to be centralised by 2027, in order to provide information on availability, waiting times and prices at different stations across Europe.

The negotiating mandate on alternative fuels infrastructure was approved by 485 votes in favour, 65 votes against and 80 abstentions, while the mandate on sustainable marine fuels passed with 451 votes in favour, 137 votes against and 54 abstentions. Parliament is now ready to start negotiations with the Member States on the final formulation of both legislative texts.

Source: Professional Transport