Proposed EU Rule Would Force Fuel Stations to Offer Alternative Fuel

European Union Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas has proposed a rule that would force fuel stations in all EU member states to offer alternative fuels. The new rule would include electric vehicle charging as well.

"Developing innovative and alternative fuels is an obvious way to make Europe‘s economy more resource efficient, to reduce our overdependence on oil and develop a transport industry which is ready to respond to the demands of the 21st century," said Kallas.

The member states would not be forced to carry all of the cost on their own. Private companies would be encouraged to install many of the alternative fuel filling sites, and there would be EU support funds. 

The member countries could install natural gas, hydrogen and electric charging depending on the needs of the citizens. However, the proposed rule would also force there to be a minimum number of electric car charging sites in each country depending on population. It would mean as many as 150,000 electric chargers in some areas. The problem with installing the chargers is that there are still competing electric car charging standards among automakers and some owners may not be able to charge their cars. 

The EU hopes to have 9 million electric vehicles on its road by 2020 to reduce its reliance on foreign oil. 

To be enacted, the proposal will have to be favored by EU member states and the EU Parliament, which means that it will likely change significantly if it becomes a law.

Source: Europe Online Magazine