A fundamental change within the road transport sector is required if Europe wants to achieve its objective of a long-term transition to a low-carbon European economy.
Electric vehicles charged with electricity from renewable sources can reduce future emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants from road transport. This briefing (based on an assessment carried out on behalf of the EEA, HQ in pic above) presents the key implications for emissions and Europe's energy system arising from the potential wide-scale use of electric cars in 2050.
Despite previous technological improvements, the transport sector contributes around one quarter of Europe’s GHG emissions, thereby contributing to climate change. Emissions from road vehicles also contribute to high concentrations of air pollutants in many European cities, which often don't meet air quality standards set by the EU and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The need for sustainable road transport
The potential of renewable energy sources to power electric vehicles can contribute to a considerable decarbonisation of the future road transport sector and improved resource efficiency. It also has associated co-benefits in terms of reduced air pollution. However, the extent to which this may occur varies greatly by country, in terms of how the demand for additional electricity for electric vehicles can be accommodated.
Full report at Electric vehicles and the energy sector - impacts on Europe's future emissions — European Environment Agency (europa.eu)
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