Plugging into the Future: EVs, Cities, and Clean Mobility
Mini electric vehicles are gaining ground as compact, clean solutions for urban delivery, last-mile transport, and reducing pollution.
Andrew Winder is the Senior Manager at ERTICO ITS Europe. With over 13 years of experience in clean and intelligent transport systems, Andrew works across Europe and beyond to advance low-emission mobility, from electric vehicle policy to infrastructure innovation. He focuses on making transport systems more sustainable, accessible and intelligent, especially in a rapidly urbanising world.
In this interview, recorded at ITS 2025 in Seville, we explore how mini EVs fit into the bigger picture of sustainable mobility, the barriers still holding them back, and why teleoperation and smarter regulation could make them a game-changer.
It seems like mini electric vehicles are a hot topic at ITS this year. Why, in your opinion, are small EVs so important for cities?
I think it’s especially relevant in Europe. Our cities are older, more compact, and more congested compared to places like the U.S. That creates an urgent need for smaller, cleaner vehicles that can navigate tight spaces and meet pollution targets.
Cities are acting more and more like independent regulators, setting their own rules for vehicle access and emissions. Mini EVs often receive exemptions or incentives under these policies, making them moreattractive.
Cities are acting more and more like independent regulators, setting their own rules for vehicle access and emissions
Affordability is also a big factor. Traditional EVs are still expensive, and we want to develop simpler, lower-cost options for everyday use. At ERTICO, we’re running the ZEV-UP Project to explore scalable, affordable EVs not just for Europe, but also for middle-income countries. These are basic but clean vehicles for short trips in cities, towns, or even rural areas.
Do you think people are still hesitant to use or buy mini electric vehicles? What’s holding them back?
Yes, some people still hesitate. A common argument is, “What if I need to drive long distances?” But realistically, most people don’t do that often. A mini EV can easily cover daily commutes or errands, especially as a second vehicle.
Fleets are actually leading the way, including taxis, delivery services, and public transportation. When these systems go electric, the public tends to follow.
Charging infrastructure is another issue. It’s not always as intuitive as filling up at a gas station. There’s still some confusion around it, but things are improving quickly.
Can you explain what teleoperation is and how it fits into future mobility?
Teleoperation is different from full self-driving. It’s about remote-controlled driving, particularly helpful in public transport or logistics where there’s a driver shortage.
At ITS 2025, I saw a large automated bus that only self-drives within the depot. That’s a good use case because there’s no passenger risk. It simply shunts into position, saving staff time. You also see teleoperation in logistics, airports, industrial zones, and business parks.
There are also more automated shuttles in controlled environments. These help solve real-world problems now. But for private self-driving cars, we’re still a long way off, mostly due to high costs and complex safety requirements.
What kind of policy or regulatory changes are needed to support broader adoption of mini EVs?
Urban restrictions on polluting vehicles help. Similarly, tax incentives are also becoming politically unpopular, although direct purchase subsidies are still in use. Many see them as benefiting wealthier households.
Instead, we might see reduced taxes on EV usage, or benefits such as cheaper electricity or reduced road tolls. Timing also matters. People won’t abandon a working petrol car overnight. If it’s still good for five years, they’ll likely wait.
Fleet incentives are key. When companies, delivery firms, bus operators, and logistics providers electrify, it creates demand and visibility. That’s where public money and policy can have the biggest impact.
Finally, can mini electric vehicles realistically replace traditional cars in the near future?
In many ways, yes. But there are challenges. One big one is the electric grid. Most of Europe has the capacity, but some regions still struggle with grid reliability.
Widespread EV adoption requires both vehicles and a stable, flexible energy network. That’s a piece we need to strengthen as we scale up. But overall, I think mini EVs can replace many of the everyday journeys we make, especially in cities.