The report stated that the current German labeling, introduced at the electric mobility summit, held last week in Berlin, is not a useful tool, as it isn't dealer or user-friendly. VDIK said that a uniform standard need to be implemented across Europe, as the current individual standards are inefficient, requiring additional work.
"There is no logical explanation for a specific vehicle model to potentially be classed and labeled differently from one European country to another because the underlying criteria are different," said VDIK president Volker Lange.
"Such an approach is unreasonable for both consumers and dealers. Our frequently reiterated arguments for a Europe-wide harmonisation of energy labeling for passenger cars has got lost in political [activism]. Had the VDIK, which represents a strong passenger car market share of around 35%, been invited early on to participate in the [discussions], this would undoubtedly have led to greater clarity. Unfortunately, this was once again not the case," Lange added.
The VDIK compared the energy labeling to the CO2 emissions and fuel consumption standards, which have been used since 2004, and have been an important tool for vehicle buyers.
The German national electric mobility program was introduced by Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel in an effort to make Germany the first EV country. This includes a set of measures aimed at facilitating the introduction of Electric Vehicles in the country, such as free downtown parking for this type of vehicles.
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