History
History
In 1974, Professor Gaston Maggetto recognised the need for electric mobility as a logical and sustainable solution to the growing problems associated with the use of oil in transport. With foresight, he set up a research team at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), the Dutch-speaking university in Brussels, Belgium, and founded the Department of Electrical Engineering and Energy Technology (ETEC). This department became a pioneer in the field of electric mobility, with the aim of developing innovative technologies that would contribute to a cleaner and more efficient future.
Ten years later, in 1984, Professor Maggetto’s team decided to demonstrate their progress in the field of electric vehicles in a unique way. They undertook a daring journey from Brussels to the international symposium on electric vehicles in Paris, driving one of their latest electric vehicles, based on their own research. Although the journey took 20 hours at an average speed of 30 km/h, they reached their destination on time and proved the practical feasibility of electric mobility, even in the early days of the technology.
This experience led to deeper international cooperation, which inspired Professor Maggetto to take further steps towards promoting electric mobility on a global scale. He played a crucial role in the establishment of various organisations dedicated to the promotion and development of electric vehicles. One of his most significant contributions was the founding of AVERE (The European Association for Electromobility), an umbrella organisation that brought together national bodies, including EV Belgium, to support and accelerate the transition to electromobility.
EV Belgium began its journey in 1978 as the Belgian section of AVERE, known as AVERE Section Belge (ASBE). Over the years, the organisation evolved, changing its name to AVERE Belgium, and eventually adopting its current identity as EV Belgium. Under the leadership of visionaries such as Professor Maggetto, EV Belgium has established itself as a leading organisation in the promotion of electric mobility in Belgium.
Today, EV Belgium remains true to Professor Maggetto’s vision. We are carrying on his dream through rigorous scientific studies, pioneering research projects and close international collaborations. EV Belgium remains a driving force in the transition to a sustainable future, striving for a world in which electric mobility is the norm and plays a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of transport.
For Companies:
The member organisations, including car manufacturers (OEMs), charging point operators (CPOs), mobility service providers (MSPs), installation companies, consultants and leasing companies, play a crucial role in this transition. EV Belgium considers it essential to tackle the challenges of eMobility together, in order to ensure sustainable development across the entire market. This requires the active participation of innovative companies, strong leaders and the cooperative involvement of all stakeholders, including scientists, politicians, the media and the general public.
In this dynamic, growing market, it is vital for member companies to position themselves strategically. EVB builds strong networks and initiates joint projects to successfully develop the market and give weight to political demands.
For EV-Drivers:
EV Belgium is also the leading voice for electric vehicle drivers and the go-to independent source of information for Belgium. The federation serves as a meeting place for anyone interested in electric driving, both for current EV drivers and for those considering making the switch. Electric driving isn’t difficult, but it is different. That’s why EVB ensures that new EV drivers receive accurate and independent information, not only about the vehicles themselves, but also about important aspects such as charging cards and charging points.