As traditional and new car manufacturers face barriers to producing affordable electric cars, how is the support for more electric vehicles (EVs) currently designed? New OECD findings on international subsidy comparisons show that government support remains crucial for both emerging and established players, but the distribution and impact of subsidies vary significantly across them and between countries. New entrants focused on electric vehicles (EV) production tend to receive more subsidies relative to their revenues than traditional carmakers. While OECD-based automakers have traditionally had a strong international presence, Chinese EV companies are rapidly expanding their global reach. Assessing subsidies in the context of their broader industrial impact – across entire value chains and circular – is essential to maintaining a fair and balanced global marketplace. As to the impact on the uptake of electric vehicles, a recent study by Zukunft KlimaSozial suggests that social targeting can be particularly effective and efficient, as evidenced by a social leasing programme in France that offers EVs to low-income commuters, leading to strong demand among a group for which EVs are out of reach in other countries. The panel examines the policy tools needed to expand access to EVs, promote market resilience, and ensure a just and equitable transition across the OECD.
Keynote: Jehan Sauvage, OECD
Presentation: Brigitte Knopf, Zukunft KlimaSozial
Discussion:
Nicolas Köhler-Suzuki, Notre Europe
Nastaran Krawczyk, CMBlu
Jean-Luc di Paola-Galloni, Valeo Group
Marion Vieweg, Agora Verkehrswende
Moderated by: Nicola Brandt, OECD