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European Union

The European Union has given the green light to a comprehensive rules package aimed at enhancing the fast charging network for electric vehicles (EVs) across the continent.

  • The regulations mandate the establishment of facilities with at least 150kW of power every 60 kilometers along major transportation routes by 2025.
  • EU also requires each charging location must have minimum 400kW of output. 

The primary objective of these rules is to address three key concerns faced by EV users including cars and motorcycles. Firstly, it aims to alleviate range anxiety by expanding the EV charging infrastructure along Europe’s main highways.

Secondly, it intends to simplify payment processes by eliminating the need for apps or subscriptions, making charging more accessible. Finally, the rules aim to ensure transparent communication of pricing and availability to prevent unexpected surprises for users.

The timeline set for implementation is ambitious. By the end of December 2025, each charging location must have at least 400kW of total output, including at least one 150kW charger. By December 31, 2027, the minimum requirement increases to 600kW of total output with at least one 150kW charger.

The regulations also tackle the issue of shared charging points. To avoid any drop in power caused by simultaneous usage, the new rules stipulate that at least one charger with a minimum capacity of 150 kW must be available at all times.

The scope of the initiative extends beyond major highways. The rules will also be applied to 50% of feeder roads connected to the Trans-European Transportation (TEN-T) network by 2027. The goal is to complete the buildout of EV fast charging stations on these roads by 2030, with each location required to have a total capacity of 600kW by 2035.

Furthermore, the regulations aim to standardize EV charging operations to resemble traditional fueling stations. The process will involve pulling up, plugging in, and making payments using credit cards, eliminating the need for multiple credentials and special payment cards.

The European Union’s push for a robust and user-friendly EV fast charging infrastructure is expected to bolster the EV revolution across the continent. By eliminating barriers and enhancing convenience, the new rules aim to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable transportation future in Europe.

(source: The Verge)

Stating this July, only helmets with ECE 22.06 certification will garner approval in the EU as it moves towards improving rider safety.

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  • Harley-Davidson has announced its plans to move its production to their plants outside of the US.

  • Due to the trade wars between the US and EU, the import tariff for US-made bikes has been raised by 25%.

  • The President of the United States, Donald Trump, had a few remarks to say about H-D on his Twitter page.

The latest trade wars between the US and the European Union (EU) has resulted in some nasty remarks between a few key parties in the motorcycling industry as well as the President of the United States, Donald Trump. (more…)

  • The EU will levy heavy tariffs against U.S.-made products.

  • The victims include Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles.

  • The tariffs are a retaliation against the U.S. adding tariffs on imported steel by 25%.

In the latest trade wars with the U.S., the European Union (EU) has just retaliated against American President Donald Trump’s decision to levy new import taxes on steel and aluminium from Europe. A hefty 25% tariff will be put in place for the American-made bikes, including a whole list of other American-made products.

The EU had threatened reprisals against the U.S., who adopted the new tariffs earlier this month by adding a 25% tariff on imported steel and 10% on imported aluminium.

The European nations unanimously supported the plan last week. The European Commission is due to meet later today. They have so far listed 10 pages full of American products. As for motorcycles, the tariff is worded as:

  • Motorcycles and cycles fitted with an auxiliary motor, with or without sidecar. With reciprocating internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity exceeding 500cc but not exceeding 800cc.
  • Motorcycles and cycles fitted with an auxiliary motor, with or without sidecar. With reciprocating internal combustion engine of a cylinder capacity exceeding 800cc.

Which means any bike from the US that’s bigger than 500cc will be subject to the new tax.

This does not bode well especially for Harley-Davidson who are being hit hard by low sales in America and has been depending on international sales. Indian Motorcycles, on the other hand, had been performing well on all counts but this ruling will no doubt hit them hard, also.

But it isn’t only bad news from Europe, as India had also slammed US motorcycles above 800cc with a 50% duty, as a retaliation against the U.S. who had also levied a 25% tariff on Indian steel

The U.S. tariffs are part of President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign which seeks to protect the country’s industries.

Yes, you can say it in Trump’s voice: “This YUGE!”

Autobahn sign

For the two-wheeling community in Europe, its one up for bikes and all bikers as the infamous German Autobahn highway networks moves towards becoming a tolled highway for all vehicles….. except for bikes of course. (more…)

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