The transformation of the mobility sectors presents interesting opportunities for Italy, but we must also know how to seize them. Do we want to be passive passengers or lead the transformation? “There is no alternative, this technology replaces the combustion engine. Slowly, but it does. The dates emerging from the European Union and elsewhere are realistic”. This was stated by the CEO of Enel, Francesco Starace, presenting together with the president of the Symbola foundation, Hermes Realacci, the fourth edition of “100 Italian E-Mobility Stories 2023“, the commitment of one hundred excellences of Made in Italy e-mobility.
As we know, since 2035, in all 27 countries of the European Union it will no longer be possible to register cars with combustion engines, i.e. powered by petrol e Diesel. This will ensure that by 2050 the transport sector can become carbon neutral. So, there will be a transition to electricity, but what role will Italy play? A mere passenger, behind other countries, or a protagonist of this revolution? For Starace there are no doubts: we need to "ride the novelty rather than deny it".
The fourth edition of "100 Italian E-Mobility Stories 2023"
Italian e-mobility is told by 100 stories of companies, research centers and associations which, in their own segment, are contributing to the development of electric mobility. From the great design studies committed to redefining the shapes and styles of the vehicles of the future, to the manufacturers of components called upon to lighten the weight of the vehicles thanks to the use of new materials (such as light alloys, aluminum and titanium instead of steel) up to manufacturers of vehicles, even small ones, for the various forms of mobility that have emerged in the meantime, first of all car sharing: Italy occupies a leading role in the revolution of sustainable mobility. Moreover, in recent years Italians have seen the growth of charging stations, hybrid and electric cars in circulation, but above all e-bikes and electric scooters.
Starace (Enel): "You need a pinch of courage, not just defending the past"
"It is now obvious that beyond environmental considerations, the battery-powered car revolution simplifies the object so much and makes it so competitive that there is no real alternative story", continued the number one of the group Enel adding however that "we don't have to worry about this, the industry changes quickly and requires attention, then afterwards, frankly, we all know that there will be internal combustion cars that will continue to circulate even in the 3000s and will be like today's cars era".
“In Italy we have a genetic heritage from this point of view strong enough, so as not to lead us to fear the news of the electrification of transport. Because it's not just the electric car, but there is a much deeper concept of mobility, which concerns urban public mobility, two-wheelers, heavy, medium and light industrial transport”. And then the CEO also remarked that “the electric bicycle keep evolving fast. And Italy is the world champion for e-bikes”.
“The world of electric mobility concerns several sectors at the same time and in this we need a lot of attention, but also a pinch of courage, not just defending the past. The past is important and it won't end right away, but our destiny is the future. The study we are presenting demonstrates that many Italian companies are playing a leading role".
And then the manager pointed out the great signal launched by Ferrari with the decision to enter the great electric arena by sweeping away fears about the employment consequences of the transition: "if Ferrari enters this sector, what better signal?" which demonstrates the “revolution of battery car”. Starace added. And "it is not true that jobs are lost, on the contrary they increase, it is a less complex and dramatic thing than what one thinks before starting".
What is holding back electric mobility in Italy?
The Italian automotive industry is ready to face the challenge of future mobility and the transition to electric power and can play a leading role on a global level, but there is no shortage of obstacles to the adoption of electric vehicles, including the still too high prices of electric cars and the widespread nature of the charging infrastructure. But also the policies "too shaky" as underlined Realacci, while Elisabetta Ripa, CEO of Enel X Way placed the emphasis on the "increase in energy prices and the tax exemption of petrol". Another problem that is found throughout the complex is also the lack of specialized personnel.
Electric car, Enel: "The diffusion in the world is growing rapidly"
In report the numbers that bear witness to the giant leaps of electric mobility have been highlighted. “There are currently nearly 20 million electric passenger vehicles, 1,3 million electric commercial vehicles and more than 280 million electric mopeds, scooters and motorcycles in the world. Recent estimates forecast a global market share for electrified cars of more than 2030% by 50, driven by Battery Electric Vehicle technologies”.
The main markets are the China andEurope: the latter in 2021 recorded a 65,7% increase in registrations of electric or very low emission (ECV) cars compared to 2020 and saw sales of electric vehicles surpass those of diesel cars for the first time in December. There Germany confirmed as the main European market, with 682 registrations, followed by Kingdom Unito (306 thousand) and France (303 thousand). Italy closed 2021 with an increase in sales of electrified cars (hybrid and electric) of 199% compared to the previous year, reaching 38,4% of the total registered. Looking at the registrations of Bev cars from January to October 2022, the Italian market records 39.400 units, with the Fiat 500E still at the top of the top 5 best-selling Bevs in the country (5.585 units as of October 2022).
Electric car, Enel: "Italy can be a protagonist"
The study demonstrates how Italian industry has what it takes to play a leading role in the transition. For example, in the components sector there are companies that create and manufacture engines, brakes, electronics and components, up to batteries. Another game in the electric mobility revolution is played on design, to rethink the new forms of future mobility that are also more inclusive. There is also no shortage of sharing services, multiutilities, recharging solutions, apps and communication and studies of associations to support the supply chain. Furthermore, in Italy there are plans for the construction of gigafactory a teverola (Caserta), a Scarborough (at the gates of Ivrea) ea Melfi (Campobasso).
