The new e-Credits regulations promise to be a turning point for the electric mobility sector not only in Spain, but also in the rest of Europe.
Recently, the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) launched a public consultation from June 28 to July 12, 2024.
“The responses are currently being analysed, but we expect to have updates soon for their forthcoming implementation,” Etienne Mingot tells Mobility Portal España.
In this context, the Business Development Manager for Electromobility at STX Commodities highlights: “The entire ecosystem is waiting for this measure.”
What is the goal?
Establish a renewable electricity credit mechanism in the transportation sector that promotes the adoption of electric vehicles and the expansion of charging infrastructure.
Energy efficiency and the use of clean energy are also expected to increase.
e-Credits are part of the RED III Directive, which requires Member States to establish mechanisms for economic operators that supply renewable electricity to zero- and low-emission cars to receive credits.
These can be sold to fuel suppliers to help them meet their obligations.
It should be noted that the regulations must be fully transposed by May 2025.
“However, based on our experience with the transposition of RED II in previous reviews, we understand that Member States are at different levels of maturity in implementation,” Etienne Mingot notes.
He adds: “This variation could lead to delays in achieving full transposition.”
From a practical perspective, e-Credits enhance the return on investment in charging points and, therefore, facilitate the financing of new infrastructure.
This mechanism does not require public funding, making it a tool for generating additional income by selling renewable energy certificates.
What does the sector expect?
“We stress the importance of digitising the register to speed up the recording of flows, the valuation of renewable electricity and the transfer of associated tickets,” emphasises Etienne Mingot.
To do this, it recommends using tools such as APIs to facilitate the transfer of information from charging station operators and other relevant stakeholders.
“STX is available and committed to providing the support and expertise needed to expedite this process and offer guidance to countries and policymakers on how to overcome these challenges,” he says.
What are the challenges in implementing e-Credits?
According to the expert, the main one is linked to the uncertainty faced by Member States over whether it is better to create a mechanism based on energy content or on a model based on greenhouse gases.
Likewise, the integration of this new system with existing regulatory frameworks may present difficulties.
However, Etienne Mingot maintains that, provided there is an existing implementation model, the implementation of e-Credits will be relatively straightforward.
“At STX we are open to collaboration, offering our experience to ensure a smooth and efficient process,” he stresses.
It is important to mention that the e-Credits system is part of a broader context of decarbonisation and electrification of transport, complementing other initiatives such as the “Fit for 55” package.
As also contemplated in the update of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) 2023-2030.
According to Carlos Rico, Policy Officer at Transport & Environment (T&E), who spoke to Mobility Portal Spain in April, “the Government should start working on it immediately.”
“If we delay it, we will end up going to 2025, which is already the deadline for transposing the Renewable Energy Directive (RED),” he said.
The Business Association for the Development and Promotion of Electric Mobility (AEDIVE) considers that these represent a “unique opportunity” to incorporate renewable electricity in the transport sector.
In this regard, Etienne Mingot assures: “The Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) is actively working on this issue.”
