It was revealing to watch the panel discussion “The evolution of ESG: The role of electrification and the digital agenda in mobility” at Delphi Economic Forum VIII on April 27. Experts came to enlighten us regarding the current state of electromobility in Greece alongside future challenges.

Michael Georgiadis, Director, Nemo Digital at GOCAR, was the moderator of the panel, along with Miltos Georgantzis, CEO of Qualco Group; Ioannis Xifaras, Secretary General of Transport Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport; Alexandra Sdoukou, Secretary General for Energy & Mineral Resources, Ministry of Environment and Energy; Dimitris Papastergiou, President Central Union of Greek Municipalities; Nikos Giannousas, CEO & Chairman of the Board at VOLVO Car Hellas; Joost Vandomme, CEO of ERTICO-ITS Europe, Belgium; and Tassos Manos, CEO of HEDNO sharing their insights concerning the evolution of electromobility, challenges, and opportunities.

Regarding how the financial sector can help car companies, Mr Georgantzis said, “Let’s focus on the why instead of the how. Reaching the goal of 800,000 electric vehicles by 2030 means that every car sold should be electric. And it’s not enough to convince the consumer to use an electric car instead of an IC engine one. It’s the cost that should be reduced to achieve competitiveness.”

“Regarding financing, we should first consider the user and then turn to alternative ESG-labeled funding sources.”

About financing innovation in electromobility, Mr Georgantzis highlighted, “First, we should consider the user experience. Granting a car loan in Greece from the traditional banking sector is still difficult due to regulatory constraints. Instead, we should turn to alternative sources of capital like the rest of the world, namely green or ESG-labeled funds.”

Watch the full panel discussion: