As Europe drives towards a zero-emission future, the automotive industry lies at the heart of this transition. With ambitious targets set by the European Commission, manufacturers, research institutes, and policymakers are working together to develop sustainable electric vehicles (EVs) that meet stringent CO² reduction standards. This article explores how collaboration is essential to overcoming challenges related to materials, processes, and infrastructure, while ensuring the competitiveness and sustainability of Europe’s automotive sector.
Navigating the road to zero emissions: The European automotive industry’s collective transition
The European Commission (EC) has set the goal for all new cars and vans registered in Europe to be zero-emission by 2035. This has put significant pressure on the automotive industry, as new CO² standards will also require a 55% reduction in average emissions by 2030. Meeting the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs)—which could account for 25% to 50% of vehicle production—requires immediate and innovative action from the sector.
The transition to EVs faces challenges beyond battery production, range anxiety, and infrastructure development. While these are critical concerns, the scarcity of materials and the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in manufacturing further complicate the shift. Every material and process involved in car production must eventually become less dependent on dwindling resources and fossil fuel energy. This presents a complex set of challenges that must be addressed to ensure the sustainability of the EV industry.
Recognising this, the German research organisation Fraunhofer IWU, together with the Bax-powered European Lightweight Clusters Alliance (ELCA), initiated a Europe-wide effort. Four of the largest automotive companies in Europe joined the initiative, acknowledging that the EC’s CO² targets require a collaborative, all-hands-on-deck approach.
This raises the question: why can’t Europe’s OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) transition to net-zero emissions independently? While they possess substantial resources, relying solely on these presents challenges, particularly in the transition to secondary materials. Key questions include: Where do we source secondary raw materials? Will their quality meet safety standards? Is there enough to meet the growing EV demand? Tracking the origins and lifecycle of materials is essential, and reusing end-of-life (EoL) materials without recycling could be revolutionary. However, measuring and comparing circular methods, alongside standardisation, presents additional hurdles. Should circular practices be developed internally or through partnerships with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)? These challenges highlight the need for comprehensive, collaborative strategies to achieve net-zero emissions.
ZEvRA’s Horizon Europe-funded initiative for sustainable electric vehicles
Under the call topic of ‘Circular economy approaches for zero-emission vehicles’, ZEvRA (Zero Emission electric Vehicles enabled by haRmonised circulArity) aims to enhance EV circularity through design for recycling and reuse. The project seeks to promote awareness of circular economy principles and lifecycle analysis (LCA) in clean transportation, standardise circularity metrics in the automotive sector, and develop a prototype vehicle using zero virgin materials.
ZEvRA’s goal is to push Europe towards a digital, circular, and climate-neutral economy, reducing dependence on raw materials while fostering innovation and skills in circular economy practices. With €12 million in funding from the EC, the project began in January 2024 and is set to run for three years.
Advancing circular economy in electric vehicle manufacturing
ZEvRA’s ambition is far-reaching, aiming to retain the value of materials and drastically reduce the environmental impact of EVs. One of the main challenges is creating a system where every component, material, and process aligns with the requirements for circularity, viability, and performance at the full vehicle level.
This shift is driven by the demand for an open, circular value chain. The advanced materials team at Bax is helping to maximise the outreach of circular economy (CE) methodologies and zero-emission solutions. We will work closely with automotive stakeholders to develop innovative business models that drive the adoption of circular manufacturing technologies and enhance secondary market penetration. Bax’s role will focus on designing strategies that extend the life of automotive components, reduce waste, and improve resource efficiency.
Elevating Europe’s EV industry: Driving sustainability, innovation, and global influence
With 28 partners covering the entire value chain of light-duty EV design, development, and manufacturing—spanning 11 countries, including four of Europe’s largest OEMs—the ZEvRA project is setting a new standard for future vehicle manufacturing in Europe. It seeks to raise the bar in both circularity and performance.
EVs are central to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. With transportation demand on the rise, Europe’s EV industry can play a crucial role in decarbonising the sector. Moreover, the automotive industry is a key source of economic growth and job creation. By maintaining the industry in Europe, we can drive innovation, attract investment, and create high-quality jobs in manufacturing, research, and development.
Maintaining a strong position in the EV market allows European companies to lead in technological advancements, benefiting not just the automotive sector but spilling over into other industries. By competing with other major players, such as China, Europe can exert influence on global standards and practices related to sustainability, shaping international agreements, regulations, and norms that promote environmental protection and sustainable development.
The authors of the article would like to acknowledge the funding of the European Commission for the ZEvRA project under grant agreement Nº101138034.
Learn more about the ZEvRA project and our work in Advanced Materials
If you want to contribute to Europe’s collaborative push in electric vehicle innovation, reach out to a member of our team:
