Automotive industry

The battery industry offers huge business opportunities in the coming years. The Czech Republic has a chance to become a leader if it adapts its economic strategies, speeds up permitting processes and invests in the entire value chain. Filip Křenek, project coordinator and analyst at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Hospodářské noviny.

The European Union plans to significantly increase recycling in the automotive industry through a new End-of-Life Vehicle Regulation. Although the Czech Republic supports the circular economy in general, representatives of the automotive industry and the Ministry of Industry and Trade warn of potential negative impacts. Analyst of EUROPEUM Institute Filip Křenek commented for Euractiv.cz.

Based on research reports in the field of batteries and construction materials, this policy paper summarises strategic steps and recommendations to support the development of the Czech battery industry and to strengthen the use of low-emission materials and circular strategies in the automotive industry. The policy paper by EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy in cooperation with the Institute for Circular Economy (INCIEN) and accompanying studies are a major contribution to the debate on the transformation of the automotive industry, which today faces challenges related to decarbonisation and increasing competition, especially from China.

The report "Battery Circularity in the Automotive Industry as an Opportunity for the Czech Republic" addresses key issues in the development of the battery industry in the Czech Republic, with an emphasis on the circular economy, recycling and reuse of batteries. The study, which was produced in cooperation between EUROPEUM think tank and experts in the field of batteries and electromobility, shows that although the Czech market is still lagging behind in the development of battery production and recycling, its potential is huge - from raw material extraction to component production to battery recycling, which would significantly strengthen the resilience and environmental sustainability of the Czech economy.

On Thursday 17 October 2024, a conference entitled Circularity in the Czech automotive industry: opportunities and obstacles was held by EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy in cooperation with the Institute for Circular Economy INCIEN. The event was partnered by the Czech Battery Cluster. Filip Křenek, a researcher at EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy, participated in one of the organised panel debates.

On Thursday, 17 October 2024, EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy in cooperation with the Institute for Circular Economy INCIEN organized a conference entitled Circularity in the Czech Automotive Industry: opportunities and obstacles, in which the Czech Battery Cluster was a partner. The conference was attended by representatives of the Czech automotive industry, state administration and research organizations. The press release from the conference and presentations of the organizations can be found in the text below.

The automotive industry has long been the driving force of the Czech economy, but is currently facing fierce foreign competition and challenges in the area of decarbonisation and sustainability. Despite its strategic position in the automotive industry, the Czech Republic still lags behind its neighbours in circularity and lacks a long-term strategy for the development of the sector. How can we improve the conditions for the development of circular solutions in the automotive sector and attract key investments of the future to the Czech Republic? Come join the discussion and seek answers to these questions!

Czech Minister of Transport Martin Kupka announced at the end of September, following the example of Italy, that the revision of the end of internal combustion engines should take place earlier than in the originally planned 2026. Rebeka Hengalová, researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Ekonomický deník.

There is no time to wait in retraining the employees of car manufacturers if we do not want our car industry to fossilize and disappear. Writes Rebeka Hengalová, research fellow at EUROPEUM Institute.

The Czech Republic has vast reserves of lithium, a crucial resource for manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles. However, it lags behind in other aspects of the battery supply chain, such as production and recycling. And yet, these key industry sectors could potentially help in saving the local automotive industry. Jonathan Lyons, an analyst at the EUROPEUM Institute, further explored this issue and the potential benefits of lithium for the Czech economy in an article for Hospodářské noviny.

The climate team of EUROPEUM is currently delivering the 3rd year of its project focused on the decarbonisation of the automotive industry in the Czech Republic. We want to build upon our experience and move this work forward with a more targeted approach. We will focus on three main areas, which we have identified as crucial parts of the puzzle for transitioning to cleaner modes of transport.

Our researcher Michal Hrubý commented for the news portal iDnes.cz on the long-awaited Euro 7 emission standard. In his commentary, he mentions the circumstances of its negotiation and talks about its potential entry into force.