Prof. Dr. ir. Joeri Van Mierlo is one of the most influential voices in European electromobility. As head of the ETEC department at Vrije Universiteit Brussel and founding director of the MOBI research center, he has been observing for years how technology, industry and politics accelerate or slow each other down.
In an interview with Power2Drive Europe, he explains which developments could make the biggest leap in 2026, where Europe continues to have real innovative strength, how China is reshaping the global market, and what course must be set to ensure a successful transition to electromobility.
All three areas are expected to progress, with megawatt charging systems (MCS) for heavy-duty vehicles likely showing the most visible impact. European freight corridors are preparing for high-power charging to enable long-haul electric trucks. Moreover, the deployment of electric truck fleets in urban logistics is anticipated to accelerate, as they offer effective compliance solutions for low-emission zones and benefit from continuous improvements in cost efficiency. Bidirectional charging (V2G and V2H) will gain relevance as grid flexibility becomes a priority. Additionally, solid-state batteries and AI-driven energy management systems are emerging and could significantly influence performance and efficiency by the end of the decade.
Europe maintains strengths in high-quality vehicle manufacturing, battery recycling, and circular economy solutions. Expertise in smart grids and interoperability standards also positions the EU well for EV integration. To remain competitive, Europe should accelerate permitting smart and bidirectional charging, scale up battery gigafactories, and invest in R&D for next-generation batteries and power electronics.
China’s vertically integrated approach dominates the battery supply chain and leverages automated mass production, creating a cost advantage. Competitive pricing and rapid expansion of Chinese brands in Europe increase pressure on European OEMs, while exports to China decline as domestic brands gain preference. This trend raises dependency risks for Europe in raw materials and technology. Without diversification of supply chains and scaling local production, Europe risks losing strategic autonomy in its energy transition.
An effective strategy should secure critical minerals through global partnerships, foster industrial alliances for EV components, and implement carbon-based import tariffs to ensure fair competition. Innovation and sustainability standards should remain central. Persisting with combustion engines could erode competitiveness. Corporate fleets, which represent most new registrations, offer a strong lever for accelerating zero-emission adoption and strengthening Europe’s automotive industry.
Bidirectional EVs can act as distributed energy storage, absorbing excess renewable power and discharging during peak demand, reducing grid strain and infrastructure costs. They can also support frequency regulation and emergency backup. Challenges include regulatory frameworks, certification for V2G participation, and battery warranty concerns. Addressing these issues could make bidirectional charging a key element of Europe’s energy transition.
Declining battery costs—expected to fall below $70/kWh by 2030—will make EVs more affordable than ICE vehicles. Advances such as cobalt-free and solid-state batteries will improve performance, while ultra-fast charging infrastructure will address range concerns. Policy measures like the EU’s 2035 ICE ban (assuming it remains unchanged), stricter CO₂ targets, and zero-emission zones will accelerate adoption. Grid modernization, smart charging, and renewable energy expansion are essential for sustainability. Social measures, including affordable second-hand markets and social leasing schemes, will ensure inclusivity.
Emerging areas include self-healing batteries, which use special materials or chemical processes to independently detect and repair damage to maintain performance and lifespan, as well as second-life battery applications for stationary storage, advanced thermal management for ultra-fast charging, and AI-based predictive maintenance for EV fleets. Digital twins, power electronics reliability, wireless charging for commercial depots, and sodium-ion batteries as a low-cost alternative for short-range EVs are also promising. These innovations could reshape the EV ecosystem in the coming decade.
