Common Launch of smart electro Mobility projects in European Parliament

Creation date: 09 February 2012

Four European eMobility pilot projects (SmartCEM, ICT4EVU, MOBI.Europe, and MOLECULES) were kick-started at a launch event in the European Parliament yesterday (8 February 2012). Each programme strives to enhance user experience and acceptance of electric vehicles through demonstrations on test sites in different Member States.

Werner Kraus, President of FIA Region I (which represents 104 Automobile and Touring Clubs across Europe, the Middle East and Africa), commented on the SmartCEM pilot project of which the FIA is a partner:

"Raising consumer awareness is key for the adoption of new technologies and the FIA and its member Clubs are best placed to play this role. That's why the FIA fully supports the SmartCEM initiative and the demonstration of eMobility as a real alternative for our day-to-day mobility."

Jacob Bangsgaard, Director General of FIA Region I, added:

"The successful application of Intelligent Transport Systems can remove some of the main barriers to consumer adoption of electric vehicles, for example, anxiety over the range of these vehicles. SmartCEM will help demonstrate that intelligent mobility solutions now allow eMobility to meet the needs of everyday life."

Key objectives of the four projects involved include:

• Increasing industry cooperation and supporting interoperability and common standards for the benefit of end-users;
• Supporting the integration of eMobility as an alternative urban mobility solution by local authorities;
• Demonstrating directly to the public the benefits of new vehicles and services, how they work and what they are like to drive.