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Another first for Europe: an electric car with extended range and no pollution

September 25, 1998

The international symposium takes place in Brussels from 29 September to 3 October and has been organised by the Commission on the topic "A future for the city". Some 1 500 specialists in electric and hybrid vehicles are expected to attend to see the latest technological developments designed to improve this mode of transport during the coming months and years. Slowly but surely, the electric vehicle is developing in Europe, mainly because of its advantages as regards environmental protection and its contribution to the improvement of the living conditions in the inner city.

The electric vehicle: the future of the city and of Europe
The EU has been supporting research in the field of the electric and hybrid vehicles under its research programmes for several years. Over the period 1994-1998, approximately ECU 75 million were devoted to research in this area.
FEVER, one such project supported by the EU, finished in 1998 and involved six partners: Renault (F), Ecole des Mines (F), Ansaldo (I), Air Liquide (F), Volvo (S) and De Nora S.p.A. (I). The research has made it possible to increase fuel-cell output appreciably. The next stage is commercial production of this type of vehicle, which gives an idea of what the generation of cars could be like in twenty or thirty years.
In her opening speech, Edith Cresson, Member of the Commission in charge of research, will present the new activities of the EU in this field, and in particular the key-actions, "The city of tomorrow and cultural heritage", "Economic and efficient energy for a competitive Europe" and "Land transport and marine technologies", which will form part of the Fifth Framework Programme covering the years 1999-2002.
The new regulations on motor vehicle pollution being gradually implemented by the Commission could also advance the cause of electric vehicles, especially hybrid vehicles. As part of this, the Commission has negotiated a voluntary agreement with ACEA, the Association of the European Car Manufacturers, by which manufacturers commit themselves to reducing the average private vehicle emission of CO2 by 25% between now and 2008. In addition, under the AUTO-OIL programme, three directives were adopted recently on the quality of fuels, stipulating the disappearance of leaded petrol by 1 January 2000, and laying down emission limits of private vehicles and light commercial vehicles.

European Commission, Research Directorate

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Another first for Europe: an electric car with extended range and no pollution

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