On Wednesday 19 October, MEPs adopted a report by Ismail Ertug (S&D, German) on the deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure in the EU (485 votes in favour, 65 against, 80 abstentions) (see EUROPE 13045/23).
The text adopted by the European Parliament therefore confirms the 2026 deadline for the installation of charging stations for electric vehicles every 60 km along the main roads of the EU. Similar requirements will be applied for truck and bus stations, but only on the core TEN-T network.
The requirements for hydrogen have also been maintained. These provide for the deployment of refuelling stations every 100 km by 2028.
In addition, the text provides for the establishment of a European platform for data on alternative fuels by 2027, in order to provide users with optimal information on prices, availability and waiting times at filling stations. The adopted report also provides for card payments to be possible throughout Europe.
However, the mechanism of sanctions for EU Member States for failure to comply with the future regulation was not supported by MEPs. “This is an instrument that could have been used in the inter-institutional negotiations. It has not passed, we have to accept it, but I don’t think it will have an impact on the text. We have other points through which we can move this issue forward”, commented Mr Ertug. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)