Last week, LEVA-EU represented the Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) sector at the Thematic Working Group ‘Clean Transition and Decarbonisation’ under the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry. The meeting was hosted by Commissioners Hoekstra and Roswall. Following this meeting, LEVA-EU has published a position paper titled “Unlocking the Potential of Light Electric Vehicles to Address Challenges in the EU Automotive Sector”. The position paper outlines the significant environmental and economic benefits of Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) and highlights the urgent need for regulatory reforms to allow the sector to thrive.

The Growth of the LEV Market

The LEV market has seen rapid expansion, surpassing 10 million vehicles in 2023. A study commissioned by LEVA-EU from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) found that 76% of all car trips could be replaced by an LEV, potentially leading to a 44% reduction in CO₂-equivalent emissions. Despite this potential, the sector is still constrained by outdated legislation designed for either traditional mopeds and motorcycles or for machines.

Five Key Policy Demands from LEVA-EU

To address these challenges, LEVA-EU has put forward five concrete legislative changes:

1. Follow-up on the EGUM recommendations adopted by the Commission by developing a dedicated technical LEV-Regulation and setting up a Commission LEV Expert Group;
2. Review of the ZLEV credit system in Regulation (EU) 2019/6316 to include LEVs;
3. Launch of a dialogue between Commission and Member States to raise awareness of LEV-inclusion in
   initiatives promoting electrification;
4. Immediate abolishment of anti-dumping duties on bicycle components from China;
5. Maintain strict emission targets for automotive sector.

Regulatory Barriers Holding Back the LEV Sector

The position paper highlights that LEVs remain trapped in legal frameworks that fail to recognize their distinct nature. Regulation (EU) 168/2013 and the Machinery Directive impose unnecessary restrictions, preventing certain LEVs—such as seated e-scooters and non-pedal-assist e-bikes—from entering the market. Additionally, speed pedelecs continue to face excessive regulatory hurdles, including emissions testing—despite being zero-emission vehicles.

LEVA-EU urges the European Commission to take immediate action by drafting legislative amendments that align LEVs with modern mobility needs. Without these changes, European businesses and consumers will continue to face unnecessary restrictions on sustainable transport options.

The paper also highlights how outdated trade policies, particularly anti-dumping duties on bicycle components from China, are stifling the LEV industry. These duties, in place since 1997, create significant administrative burdens, especially for start-ups. LEVA-EU calls for their immediate removal to support European LEV-manufacturers and encourage market expansion.

A Call to Action

As the EU prepares its next industrial strategy for the automotive sector, LEVA-EU stresses that zero-emission mobility solutions must extend beyond electric cars to include the full spectrum of LEVs. By implementing the proposed reforms, the EU can unlock the full potential of LEVs, contributing to a cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable transport ecosystem.

For more details, read the full position paper here https://tinyurl.com/ycyu4fs2.