“Mobesity” Threatens Sustainable Transportation Journey

Hawaii EV has highlighted the need to ‘right-size’ our EV purchases. While this may have been challenging in the past, there are many options today – from tiny cars to trucks and SUVs – so there is an EV for just about any need. Right-sizing, a strategy that also applies to gas cars, simply means buying a vehicle that is fit for purpose – not too small or large. An electric vehicle that is too big will mean spending more than is necessary, using more electricity than required, replacing tires more frequently, and contributing to a larger environmental footprint.

Research published recently in the journal Nature Energy found that 14% of new passenger vehicle sales worldwide are electric, according to EV Volumes, but many are full-sized and heavy models, including large trucks and SUVs. This "mobesity" negates or reduces the environmental benefit of EVs.

 🔍 Key Takeaways

 Decreased Efficiency and Larger Footprint

Though large EVs are about three times more energy efficient than ICE vehicles, their sheer size and weight cancel out the advantage. They need larger batteries and motors and have higher energy demands. They also require more resources in their production, which means a higher carbon emission over their lifetime.

Vicious Cycle

Large EVs have contributed to market dynamics, with car companies gaining large profits while convincing consumers about the benefits of larger vehicles. This trend, paired with fewer compact EV options, threatens to halt the advance toward greater efficiency and lower emissions.

Growing Environmental Concerns

Large EVs require larger batteries that use more lithium, cobalt, and other raw materials. In addition, they cause the tires and road to wear out prematurely much faster.

🚀 What do we do?

Policy interventions can incentivize the adoption of smaller vehicles, e.g., rebates or tax credits for more efficient cars, and temper the ownership of larger vehicles ( the vehicle weight tax is an example).

What’s even more critical is consumer awareness. Public outreach that educates consumers on the environmental and economic costs of large EVs and emphasizes the importance of ‘right-sizing’ will go a long way toward influencing consumer demand and, consequently, manufacturer response.

Large trucks and SUVs do have a place in a sustainable transportation future. They satisfy important needs, such as moving construction equipment and materials and transporting a large household or employees. Right-sizing does not mean downsizing—it means an EV that is best suited for the owner's general needs.

Our transition to a sustainable transportation future depends on more efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly solutions. We can realize this through policy, technological innovations, and consumer preference shifts. 🌱