Electric vehicles (EVs) will significantly reduce road transport’s negative impact on human health, the environment and climate, according to a report by the European Environment Agency (Eea). While a typical EV produces fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, air pollutants and noise compared to its petrol or diesel equivalent over its lifetime, it will not be enough to achieve sustainable road transport in Europe. The report states that EVs need to be considered in the broader mobility system, which also focuses on alternative modes of transport and mobility needs.
The production of EVs may still require substantial resources and generate pollution. However, the Eea report notes that as the production of EVs becomes more efficient and the production of electricity cleaner, the lifecycle emissions of a typical EV could be reduced by at least 73 percent by 2050. In Europe, the number of EVs is growing yearly, and electric car registrations for 2021 made up 17.8 percent of the total new car registrations.
The report highlights that to meet society’s need for point-to-point mobility and social interaction, exploring alternative modes of transport beyond EVs is crucial. These include extensive public transport, car-sharing schemes, shared self-driving cars, improved spatial planning, and new approaches that can reduce the need for mobility, such as working from home. The report notes that a shift to alternative modes of transport, such as rail, walking, and cycling, is also necessary to achieve a sustainable mobility system.
The report emphasises the need to view EVs within a mobility system’s broader context and prioritise sustainable mobility needs. While EVs are essential in reducing the negative impact of road transport, a combination of alternative modes of transportation and new approaches to mobility is necessary to achieve a sustainable future.
