In conversation with Mobility Portal Europe, Cecil Coulet, Public Affairs Manager of the French cross-sector association Équilibre des Énergies (EdEn), discusses the findings of their studies related to emission reductions in the road transport sector.
The truth is that, with limited space along highways, it will be a challenge to deploy the necessary charging stations for both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs).
This issue has not yet been addressed and it was one of the key points that made us consider the solution of Electric Road Systems (ERS).
It is worth mentioning that EdEn drafted a report on this topic, which proposes the evaluation of a system technology that allows charging units while they are in motion.
The sector considers it an interesting solution, especially for heavy transport, to complement the battery solution and contribute to achieving the ambitious objective of 90 per cent emission reductions by 2040 in the HDV sector, that the European Union (EU) recently adopted.
“Considering the EU’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, there is no other solution than aiming for a fairly high level of CO2 withdrawal by 2040,” Coulet states.
“There will definitely be a challenge both in manufacturing and deploying solutions that can contribute to the electrification of the heavy road transport sector, as well as in terms of subsidies and support from the EU and the Member States,” he adds.
In addition to this, the electricity network also needs to be adjusted and improved to meet the increased demand expected by 2030.
However, 2040 will be the real turning point with a projected significant rise in carbon depletion electricity consumption in order to achieve minus 90 per cent Green House Gas (GHG) emissions compared to 1990 at the EU level.
“That aspect, so far, has not received enough attention from the EU. It should be a central discussion during the next term”, Coulet acknowledges.
Despite the difficulties associated with the recharging sector, Coulet is confident that France will be able to meet the targets set out in the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR).
However, he warns: “Given that France’s goal is to go beyond these targets, there is still work to be done.”
What other projects is EdEn working on?
Currently, the association is working on other initiatives that contribute to zero-emission mobility in France.
EdEn is producing a study analyzing the possible synergies between buildings and cars, and the economic benefits derived from the implementation of smart charging systems, as well as defining the necessary criteria that need to be set up for monitoring and efficiently controlling remote charging.
EdEn advocates for the massive deployment of smart charging software capable of replenishing the car battery at night, i.e., when there is less electricity consumption.
However, at the moment, around 70 per cent of chargers in France lack this capability.
It is expected that this investigation, which is developing for the time being, will be published during the summer.
In the past, the organization also assessed the prospects of hydrogen (H2) to reduce carbon emissions in trucks, and the conclusions were mixed.
While some potential was identified in certain market segments, the price of H2 posed significant challenges, limiting its likely contribution to electrifying HDVs.
Nevertheless, EdEn believes that hydrogen should play a significant role in the decarburization of the maritime and aviation sectors, as they cannot rely on direct electrification to reduce their emissions.
About EdEn
Équilibre des Énergies is an intersectoral organization with various companies integrated into it.
It encompasses the departments of energy, mobility, and construction, providing recommendations at both national and EU levels to achieve decarbonising.
A distinctive feature of EdEn is its constant consideration of the competitiveness and economic dynamism of business actors, thus seeking to reconcile the goal of greening with profitable growth.
Regarding mobility issues, the organization is actively involved in road transportation, with members participating in electric mobility, aviation, and the production of alternative fuels.
The association provides recommendations for the legislative framework.
