Berlin, Germany – With CO² emissions from transport growing to over one quarter of the EU’s total carbon footprint, a Greenpeace Germany report highlights the most effective measures to make way for electric vehicles (EVs) on the road as part of changing the way we travel and tackling the climate emergency.[1]
The report found that governments that implemented car restricting measures were the most effective in getting diesel and petrol cars off the road — but only if these requirements are set at ambitious levels. Additionally, policy that creates widespread access to charging stations can have a critical impact on the adoption of EVs.
“With our climate in serious peril, governments must stop ignoring the elephant in the room: the transport sector, which is one of the biggest emitters of CO² emissions. Transport emissions have been rising steadily for years and that’s why a rapid transition to shared electric mobility should be part of a sustainable energy future. If planned correctly, electric vehicles and renewable energy have the potential to go hand-in-hand,” said Barbara Stoll, a Greenpeace International Transport Campaigner.
Research conducted by the Berlin-based Ecologic Institute analysed ten existing policy measures from across the world that have had a direct impact on the increased adoption of electric vehicles. The research also noted:
- Combining a few measures and sequencing them over time is highly beneficial
- Governments that adjust financial support for EVs to reflect market developments is needed
- Financially incentivising the purchase of EVs and disincentivizing the sale of diesel and petrol cars is key to making the transition away from polluting cars.
The report was released ahead of an EU climate summit on June 20th and 21st, where policy makers are expected to discuss Europe’s long-term climate plan.[2] The report should be considered as one part of a larger roadmap for decision makers, helping to guide them through a successful transition away from petrol and diesel cars to one that promotes a radical and sustainable shift in urban mobility.
“We see electric vehicles as an important step towards a fossil-free future, yet by no means should they be viewed as the end-all-be-all on the pathway towards finding sustainable mobility solutions. Policymakers must also prioritise the improvement and extension of public transport networks that run on renewable energy, improve and extend cycling and walking infrastructure, and increase infrastructure to support the safe uptake of micro-mobility solutions,” said Stoll.
ENDS
[1] Links below to the full report and media briefing.
[2] Since 1990, transport emissions have been rising — 25% higher in Europe and 74% higher globally. By far the greatest source of those transport emissions — about 70% — comes from road transport https://www.iea.org/statistics/co2emissions/
LINKS
Original report can be found HERE
Media Brief can be found HERE
Contacts:
Lauren Reid, International Comms Lead, Clean Air Now, Greenpeace Belgium: +44 7367 074602, [email protected]
Greenpeace International Press Desk, [email protected], phone: +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours)
Follow @greenpeacepress on twitter for our latest international press releases
Discussion
The campaign to promote electric vehicles is narrow and unethical, without first tackling the appalling human rights issues surrounding the cobalt supply chain as well as disposal of batteries at the end of their life. How is Greenpeace addressing these issues?
Hi Theresa, We see electric vehicles (EVs) as an important step towards a fossil-free future, yet by no means should they be viewed as the end-all-be-all on the pathway towards finding sustainable mobility solutions. The manufacturing of electric vehicles has a significant carbon footprint and the grid that powers these vehicles have associated emissions as well. Therefore, swapping every petrol and diesel car for an electric one would represent a significant missed opportunity to dramatically reduce our emissions. But you are right about human rights issues surrounding the supply chains and the disposal of batteries at the end of their life. That is why the increased update of battery electric vehicles must be coupled with: -> Transparent supply chains and best practice human rights and environmental standards in mining and manufacturing of batteries. -> Investment in research and development in battery technology to find alternatives to the current materials used. -> 100% renewable energy in manufacturing. -> Increased durability (ie a greater number of charge cycles possible), longevity, reparability, energy efficiency, reuse and recyclability of batteries to minimise the use of virgin materials.
Transparent supply chains are a great idea - but I haven't seen any information from car manufacturers to show that they care whether the supply chain for their products is monitored and ethical. Is Greenpeace campaigning for this? Do you have campaigners specifically targeting the gangs in Democratic Republic of Congo where I believe the worst atrocities are happening and child labour is rife? I have an old hybrid car which will soon need replacing and while I applaud the vision and aspirations for the future, nothing can convince me at the moment that by buying another hybrid or an electric car that I won't be adding to the profits of protection gangs and building up a waste problem for the future.