Linda Jackson, CEO of Peugeot, emphasized the need for government action to enhance charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) during the Paris Motor Show. She argued that it is not the responsibility of manufacturers to provide charging stations, similar to how automakers were not expected to build gas stations 50 years ago.
Jackson criticized the UK's current incentives for EV purchases, which are limited to commercial buyers, advocating for financial support for private consumers to stimulate sales. She highlighted the success of Peugeot's electric van offerings but stressed that more EVs on the road are essential to meet climate goals.
Stellantis, Peugeot's parent company, has partnered with Chinese automaker Leapmotor to secure a majority stake in the international distribution of Leapmotor's EVs and a share in their production in China. Jackson views this collaboration as a strategic move to compete with Chinese manufacturers while benefiting from their technological expertise.
Leapmotor plans to launch its advanced and affordable models C10, T03, and B10 in the UK next year, which Jackson sees as a valuable addition to Peugeot's portfolio. The evolving EV market is becoming increasingly complex due to new regulations regarding vehicle parts origin and zero-emission mandates.
Additionally, proposed EU tariffs on Chinese cars and potential US restrictions on Chinese technologies in connected vehicles could impact the European market. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares indicated that the closure of the Ellesmere Port plant in the UK is under consideration due to stringent emission targets, which require a specified percentage of EV sales to avoid penalties, amidst stagnant demand for EVs.