According to Francesco Starace, it’s “one of Italy’s most innovative and dynamic industries”: working for the development of electric mobility means helping “to create an economy and a society that is more human-centered, with significant prospects for growth, in line with the principles of the Assisi Manifesto.” On January 11, Enel’s CEO emphasized this point while speaking about the key players featured in the 100 stories of excellence highlighted in the report produced by Fondazione Symbola, Enel, and Enel X Way. The 2023 report is the fourth edition of “100 Italian E-Mobility Stories”; it was presented at Terrazza Civita Palazzo Generali in Rome by Enel’s CEO, along with other prominent figures including Ermete Realacci, the President of Fondazione Symbola, and Elisabetta Ripa the CEO of Enel X Way.
“The road to change has already been mapped out, as we can see by the statistics and projects of some of the leading organizations featured in the report: businesses, research centers, universities and associations that are harnessing their talents and their passion to develop cutting-edge technological solutions for electric mobility,” Starace pointed out. From vehicle design to production, from charging infrastructures to battery components: each organization has made a tangible contribution to the advancement of this new age of mobility in their respective areas of expertise. By highlighting and honoring these key players – all excellent examples of the ‘Made in Italy’ concept – the report presents the current state of the electric mobility sector and showcases the interesting opportunities arising from the transformation of mobility in Italy. However, it’s essential to be able to capitalize on these opportunities.
“Mobility is entering a new era that’s more sustainable and efficient. The future is here in front of us; it requires courage and practical action”
Francesco Starace, Enel CEO
“The industrial landscape of e-mobility is expanding. There’s incredible vitality across related Italian industries and it continues to be seen in a sector that – after 100 years – can be said to have reached maturity.” Starace’s words are confirmed by the numbers highlighted in the report. There are currently almost 20 million electric passenger vehicles, 1.3 million electric commercial vehicles, and more than 280 million electric mopeds, scooters and motorcycles on the road worldwide. By 2030, it’s predicted that electrified cars will have a global market share of more than 50%, spurred by Electric Vehicle Battery technologies. The main markets are China and Europe: in 2021, Europe recorded a 65.7% increase in registrations of electric or very low emission cars (Electrically Chargeable Vehicles, or ECV) compared to 2020. In December, sales of electric vehicles surpassed those of diesel cars for the first time.
Components, design, the development of innovative services and solutions to support the entire sector – Italy can play a leading role, on multiple levels, in the transition. However, “it’s not just a question of electric cars, there is a much deeper concept of mobility that includes urban public mobility, two-wheelers, and heavy, medium, and light industrial transport.” As Starace reminded us in his speech, the important thing is “not to be afraid of the novelty of electrification in mobility and transportation.” The world of electric mobility spans multiple sectors at once: electrification is happening across the board. “With the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road, new industrial needs will arise, from manufacturing to mechanical production, clean electricity generation, and chemistry for storage systems. The electricity grid itself will change to adapt to the growing number of electric vehicles on the road. Investments in batteries will increase in order to reduce weight and enhance performance, thus improving efficiency and sustainability. Batteries will electrify not only the industry, but many economic sectors in the near future.” There are many key points to be addressed and challenges to be faced, but optimism is crucial. “The future is here in front of us; it requires courage and practical action,” Starace concluded.
Enel editorial staff