Electric Vehicle (EV)

WHAT IS IT?

According to the EPA, 28 percent of the overall greenhouse emissions in the United States comes from transportation vehicles. That number is even higher globally; according to the International Energy Agency transportation, vehicles contribute 45 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Considering transportation accounts for such a large percentage of greenhouse gas emissions, advancing EV solutions and infrastructure could prove pivotal to reducing carbon footprint and achieving net zero emissions.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

It can be argued that the power grid and infrastructure currently in place cannot handle such a drastic shift in means for transportation for the world or even developed countries. However, as countries decarbonize electricity generation to meet their climate targets, emissions from manufacturing and driving existing EVs will decrease over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that the current power grid in the United States runs nearly 60 percent on nonrenewable energy such as oil, gas and fossil fuels.

EV solutions can significantly reduce long-term greenhouse gas emissions, but proper enhancements for this infrastructure must occur before widespread EV usage can take place. If the climate targets set in the Paris Agreement are to be met, countries must begin this shift toward renewables so electricity generation will become significantly less carbon intensive, further increasing the advantage of electric vehicles over conventional ones.

STRATEGIES FOR WASTE REDUCTION

• Incentives and Subsidies: Governments can encourage the adoption of electric vehicles by providing financial incentives and subsidies. These may include tax credits, rebates or direct subsidies for EV purchases.
• Charging Infrastructure Development: The expansion of charging infrastructure is essential for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Governments and private entities can invest in the development of a robust charging network, including fast-charging stations along highways and in urban areas.
• Regulatory Policies: Governments can implement regulatory policies that support the adoption of electric vehicles. This may include emission standards that incentivize automakers to produce more electric or zero-emission vehicles.
• Fleet Electrification: Encouraging the electrification of corporate and government vehicle fleets is a strategy to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. By setting targets for fleet electrification, organizations can contribute to reducing emissions from transportation and demonstrate the feasibility of electric vehicles in various use cases.
• Integration with Renewable Energy: Encouraging the integration of electric vehicles with renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, supports a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system.