Electric vehicles (EVs) were centre stage at the Brussels Motor Show, heralded as the transport of the future. But challenges with charging infrastructure and recycling continue to cast a shadow over the climate benefits they promise.
The automotive industry continues to invest in EVs as European governments push towards a shift to zero-emission transport. However their uptake among consumers isn't yet enough to meet the industry's emission targets, the European Automobile Manufacturer's Association highlighted on Thursday.
In between the sparkling bodywork and theatre lighting at the Motor Show, information panels address the recycling and charging challenges that now confront the EV industry.
While installing charging stations for private clients is simple, the same cannot be said for public or shared units. "For entire buildings in Brussels, Sibelga [the energy operator] asks for a separate electricity meter to charge EVs when there are multiple parking spots," explains Caroline Leonard, sales manager at the Belgian EV charging contractor, 'Watt is love'.
"This means that everyone [in the building] must agree to share this expense, although not everyone will need a charging station." Additionally, fire departments impose strict safety requirements for charging stations – especially in parking lots.
Car parts at the stand of Febelauto, Belgium's vehicle recycling organisation, at the Brussels Motor Show. Credit: The Brussels Times.
The barriers to installing charging points are most acute in densely populated cities like Brussels, despite these places often being the target for the drive for EVs. "There is a contradiction," Leonard argues. One answer could be more government support to develop the infrastructure.
'Black market'
Recycling is also central in making EVs sustainable and reducing Europe's dependency on external materials, explained Anja Helsen, communication manager at Febelauto, a company which recycles EV batteries in Belgium and end-of-life electric vehicles (that are no longer fit or safe to be driven ed.).
Belgium recycles more vehicles than the European average, thanks to its strong networks and developed technology, Helsen notes. She highlights the "myth" that EV batteries cannot be properly recycled, countering that about 98% of the weight of an end-of-life vehicle can be recycled in Belgium. 63% of EV batteries can be reused.
Battery at Febelauto's stand at the Brussels Motor Show. Credit: The Brussels Times.
The real issue is the lack of vehicles that are returned to recycling centres. "There is still a 'black market' where end-of-life cars are sold and exported in foreign countries [with lower restrictions for vehicles]," said Helsen.
"In the past, many brands had recycling bonuses or incentives. But times aren't easy for the vehicle industry right now so you see less of these... The number of vehicles [for recycling] is declining every year," she added.
But Helsen is hopeful for improvements on this front. "It would help if there was more control and traceability [of vehicles]. Europe is working on it," she says.
