The e-mobility revolution

E-mobility, understood not only as electric vehicles but as a connected system of infrastructure, services and means of transport, is a key factor in eco-transition. Instead of traditional fossil fuels, such as diesel and petrol, electric vehicles are powered by electricity. When the vehicle is connected to a charging device, it receives electricity, which powers the rechargeable batteries of the electric motor and reduces the polluting emissions of movement. 

Technology innovations, such as increasingly high-performance batteries and a constantly evolving charging network, contribute to the continuous renewal of the e-mobility sector, bringing benefits to both the environment and communities. Electric vehicles are also increasingly innovative, allowing optimised consumption and charging, with a focus on the user experience. Thanks to technologically advanced features such as remote control of air conditioning, faster charging times and to fewer stops along the way, the driving experience is significantly improved and forward-looking.  

The benefits of e-mobility for citizens and the environment

E-mobility harnesses the potential of renewable electricity to create networks and infrastructure that efficiently connect spaces and people, improving the quality of urban life and travel, and reducing air and noise pollution. Let's look at the advantages driving the electric revolution:  

Environmental sustainability

Electric vehicles have a much smaller carbon footprint than thermal combustion vehicles, have no exhaust pipes, and do not emit exhaust fumes while on the road. The electricity used to power the batteries is increasingly being generated by renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, which encourage the use of clean forms of power. Electric vehicles are also silent and guarantee a reduction in noise pollution and in the harmful effects on people, animals and the environment. In a European context, where transport is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, the sustainable transition promoted by the Green Deal, focusing on the electrification of transport could reduce pollution by more than 60% by 2050.

Long-term economic savings

Buying an electric vehicle is first and foremost a worthwhile investment because the initial cost can pay for itself over time. In fact, the absence of components such as clutch, gearbox and exhaust system means that electric cars require less maintenance than conventional vehicles. In addition, state incentives and subsidies for electrification, and savings opportunities with the right power offers further enhance long-term savings. 

In Italy, each region provides funds for e-mobility through seasonal calls for tenders; they also offer concessions for the payment of car tax. In most cases it is a five-year exemption, during which you pay nothing and after this time, you pay only 25% of car tax. In Lombardy and Piedmont, this exemption is open-ended. 

The economic advantages are also reflected in urban traffic, whereby, in some Italian cities, electric cars can access ULEZs and preferential parking, meaning electric vehicle drivers can move around freely even on eco-Sundays. 

Savings are even greater with home charging for electric vehicles, which means that charging can be managed independently according to the times of day when energy consumption is usually lower, such as at night. However, to avoid upfront costs, there is always the option to lease an electric car on a long-term basis.

Smarter, more efficient management of urban travel

Electric cars play a key role in the development of smart cities, cities that use advanced technologies to improve quality of life and energy efficiency. Thanks to the integrated use of apps and digital services to manage journeys, electric cars are leading this change. But which urban aspects do they improve? 

• Traffic management: Data collected from electric vehicles and charging infrastructure can be used to optimise traffic flows, reduce congestion, and improve travel times. 

• Energy efficiency:  Smart grids, intelligent power grids, can optimally manage the charging of electric vehicles, avoiding overloads and better integrating energy from renewable sources.

• Urban planning: Information on e-mobility can help urban planners make more informed decisions on the development of infrastructure, public transport and traffic-restricted zones.

Charging infrastructure: where are we in Italy? 

Let's not forget that the growth of e-mobility is closely linked to the spread of charging infrastructure, which differ in terms of charging power and therefore, electrical energy refuelling times. Those intended for public charging are divided into:

• Public alternating current (AC) charge points: these are often found in public car parks, shopping centres or along urban roads. They have an average power of 22 to 43 kW and offer slower charging, suitable for longer stops. A vehicle with medium-capacity batteries (30-40 kWh), charged at one of these columns reaches 80% of the battery's potential capacity in about two hours. 

• Fast and Ultrafast direct current (DC) stations: these are fast (with power up to 100 kW) and ultra-fast (with power over 100 kW) charging infrastructure, mainly located along motorways or major roads. They allow the car to be charged in a very short time, from 30 minutes to an hour, making them perfect for long journeys.

In recent years, the number of charging stations in Italy has increased significantly, doubling - compared to 2022 - to more than 60,000 active points by the end of 2024. In particular, there is an excellent upward trend in DC fast-charging points (+47% compared to December 2023), with 6,494 new DC infrastructures to be installed in 2024. 

This development is in line with the decarbonisation goals of the MASE (Ministry of Environment and Energy Security), which include the installation of 21,000 new public charging infrastructures throughout the country by 2025, especially in large cities. Italy is keeping a good pace at European level, ranking fourth in terms of the spread of charging points compared to the current fleet. The ubiquity of charging points on the national road network is also good, with electric vehicle drivers finding a charging point every 4.2 km.

From 2024, then, all public charging stations in the territory are mapped by the Piattaforma Unica Nazionale (PUN), the dedicated institutional portal of the MASE, for better access to the national electric infrastructure network.

Join the electricity revolution with Enel Energia

E-mobility is constantly evolving, with increasing expansion in urban centres thanks to Italian and European policies in support of the decarbonisation of transport. Although there are still some obstacles in the way, such as the somewhat uneven distribution of charging infrastructure between urban and rural areas, the future is looking towards electric. 

Enel Energia supports the electric transition with more than 30,000 Enel X Way charging stations across the country and products and solutions dedicated to electric mobility for individuals and businesses. Discover all the solutions for more sustainable mobility and improve your energy management at home and on the move with the power offers from Enel Energia. 

Find all the details, news and updates on the world of energy at enel.it.

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