Mr. Apostolos Petropoulos:

It is true that when we are trying to reach the climate targets and curb emissions we need to target highly utilised cars. It makes sense that in rural areas where people run their cars more, they gain more from electrifying their car. We also need to look at different company cars and what leasing companies offer consumers. We must try to electrify as quickly as possible those areas where the majority of emissions exist.

On electricity, we are at the worst point in terms of carbon intensity because in future, there is great potential from solar and wind. Renewables are becoming very cost competitive. What is happening in the power sector is not worrying because, on one hand, renewables are becoming cost competitive while, on the other, there are ambitious EU targets to decarbonise the system. We have been talking about the penetration of electrified SUVs in the EU but in China there has been big penetration of smaller city cars, which are relatively cheap for the consumers. Dr. Mock mentioned the need to keep in mind and advocate on that. EVs have a higher upfront cost but running costs are much less than for vehicles with an internal combustion engine. This means that the pay-back period means it is not impossible for consumers. For this reason, Governments need to find mechanisms to support consumers to that end.