/ world today news/ The European Parliament has approved new rules for more alternative fuel stations for cars and trucks, simple and easy refueling and cleaner marine fuels. They are part of the Ready for Target 55 in 2030 package, the EU’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and aim to decarbonise transport .
Bulgarian MEP Petar Vitanov was a speaker on the topic of building infrastructure for alternative fuels in the EU. After the legislation was passed, he made a comment to journalists in the European Parliament.
“Using more sustainable, renewable and efficient energy solutions in the transport sector will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, improve citizens’ quality of life and create new quality jobs.” The new rules will also help deploy more charging infrastructure and make it as easy to use as traditional gas stations,” commented Petar Vitanov.
“Decarbonisation of transport is only a possible goal if there is somewhere to charge vehicles, so the transport network is key to this process,” he added.
According to Vitanov, the meaning of this regulation is to create a geographically balanced network, with obligations for each EU country, to provide citizens with equal access to the main European road network.
“This infrastructure will power the entire European economy. And Bulgaria must actively participate in this process so that it is not isolated. It is key for our country, for tourism, business, because we are at a geographical crossroads,” he added.
Members of the European Parliament have successfully agreed that electric car charging stations with a minimum output of 400kW will need to be located at least every 60km along major transport network routes by 2026, increasing network capacity to 600 kW by 2028
For trucks and buses, charging stations must be provided every 120 km, with the goal of installing them on half of the EU’s main roads by 2028. EU countries must also ensure that hydrogen charging stations on the main transport network will be located at least every 200 km by 2031.
Users of alternative fuel vehicles will need to be able to easily pay at charging points (with payment cards or contactless devices and without the need for a subscription). MEPs have pledged that the Commission will create an EU “database” of information on alternative fuels by 2027 to inform consumers about availability, waiting times or prices at different stations.
“Transparency is also being increased about how charging is charged. For example, with fast charging stations, the price should be based entirely on the price per kw, while with slow charging stations there are different options – the price can be formed per kw, it can be a price per minute, per session, or based on another component.” added Petar Vitanov.
According to him, the proposed legislation does not favor the rich at the expense of the poor.
“There was a proposal to leave things only to the market. But that could have been a huge mistake. Those generating the huge profits cannot sense the impending crash because they can afford a better quality of life. Climate change hits the poor first, unfairly and disproportionately. They cannot afford to live in nice places, eat quality food, use medical services,” said the socialist.
New rules on alternative fuel infrastructure were passed by 514 votes to 52 with 74 abstentions, while those on sustainable marine fuels were supported by 555 votes to 48 to 25. abstainer”. Once the Council approves both Acts, the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Rules will apply six months after their entry into force, and the Sustainable Marine Fuels Rules will apply from 1 January 2025.
To contact the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the EP:
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