E-mobility is a sector that represents change and innovation, powering the drive towards increased transport sustainability. This is something that is not only reflected in consumer and market behaviour, but also when it comes to cities, regions, and countries.

Urban development is a strong proponent of greener living space, allowing for cutting-edge technology to facilitate an easier, more efficient way to get around.  

In fact, a recent survey has shown that the majority of Italian automotive companies planning investments in the next 2 years will focus on e-mobility. More specifically, companies investing in electrification are also anticipating job growth, particularly in R&D (+5.6%) and IT systems (+8%).  

In this spirit, we want to take a look at other European cities that are not only committed to green transport but are showing us how it’s done! Join us as we discover the innovations taking place in Utrecht, Vienna, Stavanger and Dunkirk.  

• Utrecht, Netherlands:   
  Utrecht boasts Europe’s largest smart solar charging network, with over 2,000 public charging points and 36% of homes using solar energy. The city seamlessly integrates clean energy into its transportation system and is a pioneer in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, allowing EVs to charge and feed energy back into the grid to optimize renewable energy use. Through innovation, collaboration, and citizen engagement, Utrecht aims to become world’s first bidirectional city, with 500 bidirectional EVs launching next year.   

• Stavanger, Norway: 
  Stavanger is the first European city to deploy a Level 4 fully automated electric bus in partnership with ADASTEC, a leading software company specializing in SAE Level 4 automated driving solutions. ADASTEC’s enhanced technology is driving the seamless integration of autonomous mobility into urban transportation, setting a new benchmark for the future of smart, sustainable transit. This innovative approach reduces emissions and proves the feasibility of advanced automated solutions in real-world conditions, including tunnels and snowy terrains.   
  Beyond technology, Stavanger is driving change through community engagement and policy innovation, encouraging citizens to embrace clean mobility. The city’s long-term decarbonization strategies focus on reducing fossil fuel reliance and expanding infrastructure for zero-emission transit. By combining automation, sustainability, and public awareness, Stavanger is paving the way for other cities, demonstrating that smart, green mobility is both achievable and essential for the future.    

• Dunkirk, France:   
  Dunkirk is at the forefront of e-mobility, leading the charge in decarbonization and green reindustrialization in France. Located in the country's leading automotive region, Dunkirk is shaping the electric battery value chain with multiple industrial projects focused on manufacturing components, materials, and battery recycling. With nearly €8 billion in investments, Dunkirk is also set to become a national leader in low-carbon industry skills. The C-DéCIDé project, backed by €16 million in government funding, aims to develop a complete and diversified training offer to meet the needs of sustainable industries. The city is also the European capital of free public transport. A local maritime transport, DFDS, is investing in electric vessels for ferry routes as well.  Dunkirk’s forward-thinking approach, including new factories without parking spaces, reinforces its position as a pioneering city in sustainable mobility.    

• Vienna, Austria:   
  Vienna is embracing the shift towards electric mobility by expanding its publicly accessible charging infrastructure to 3,100 charging points, a key part of its broader Smart Climate City Strategy. This strategy aims for 100% climate-neutral vehicles by 2040, ensuring the city meets its climate goals while providing a framework for thematic concepts, sectoral strategies, and action programs. Vienna is leading decarbonization efforts with detailed plans for municipal fleets and a coordinated expansion of private and public charging infrastructure. Its innovative initiatives are reshaping mobility, reducing pollution, and improving residents' quality of life. Vienna’s strategic approach to e-mobility positions it as a role model for cities aiming for a sustainable, zero-emission future.  

What do all these cities have in common? They have applied to win an E-Visionary Award created by the World Electric Vehicle Association (WEVA).   

This prestigious accolade recognises cities and regions for their exceptional efforts in making electric mobility a reality. This award honours cities that demonstrate outstanding initiatives in promoting electric vehicles as a sustainable mode of transportation and contributing to the realization of e-mobility for their inhabitants. The E-Visionary Award highlights cities that:  

• Actively promote the use of zero-emission transportation  

• Commit to a future with emissions-free transport  

• Show creativity in raising awareness about zero-emission transportation  

The E-Visionary Award will be presented at the upcoming International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS38) on 18th June 2025. We hope to see you there!