The Challenge
According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), the transport sector is responsible for around a quarter of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to noise pollution, air pollution and habitat fragmentation. Moreover, the EEA states that it is the only large economic sector to have seen an increase in greenhouse gas emissions since 1990. According to the EEA, between 2000 and 2019 the transport sector saw an increase in demand in the following areas:
- 20% increase in passenger travel.
- 86% increase in air travel.
- 18% increase in road transport.
- 22% increase in freight transport.
This state of affairs meant the need to take action, especially since the EU aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. As increasing demand for transport services has an indirect impact on carbon emissions, the only solution was to find innovative ways to reduce the environmental impact of transport and encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport. How has the transport industry responded to these intentions over the last few years and can we expect new innovations?
Electrification
In times of climate change, electrification is the most important method to achieve sustainable transport. Electric vehicles have the potential to completely change the way we move, greatly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on fossil fuels.
The fact that electric cars do not emit exhaust gases is one of their biggest advantages. Unlike internal combustion engines, which burn fossil fuels, electric vehicles use battery- or fuel-cell-powered engines that do not directly produce greenhouse gas emissions. They thereby reduce health risks associated with car emissions and improve local air quality, while reducing air pollution.
The environmental benefits are even greater when electric vehicles are charged using energy from renewable sources. Electric vehicles offer the opportunity to decouple transportation from fossil fuel consumption as the electricity grid becomes cleaner due to the integration of more renewable energy. Switching to vehicles powered by renewable energy further reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps create a more sustainable energy ecosystem.
One thing to consider when talking about electrification is charging infrastructure. To allay electric vehicle owners' "range" concerns and give them confidence, governments, private companies and other stakeholders must invest in the development of charging infrastructure. To enable electric vehicles to cover longer distances and daily routes, more charging stations should be located near public places, workplaces, residential areas and along roads. Better charging infrastructure will accelerate the widespread adoption of electric cars and help achieve ambitious decarbonization goals.