The Paved, Well-Lit Path to Zero-Emission Vehicles
The call to accelerate the decarbonization of our transportation sector is increasing everyday and is becoming impossible to ignore. Transportation accounts for a significant part of the globe’s greenhouse gas emissions. In the U.S., the transportation sector contributes roughly 30%. Reducing or eliminating our gasoline or diesel consumption is one thing that we can do to help reduce emissions and help the environment. Making our next car an electric vehicle is one way that we can take this action. Fortunately, it’s becoming easier to own one with manufacturers signaling their intention to ditch the tailpipe, governments declaring bans on future gas car sales, and evolving consumer demand.
Promises, promises
Car manufacturers are heading the call and following the EV leader - Tesla. Volvo recently announced that they plan to make only electric vehicles by 2030.
"There is no long-term future for cars with an internal combustion engine," said Henrik Green, chief technology officer.
Volvo’s announcement follows that of GM. It recently also announced plans that include shifting to zero tailpipe emissions from their light vehicles by 2035. There’s more. Here are the highlights taken from their press release:
GM plans to be carbon neutralⁱ by 2040 in its global products and operations
GM aspires to eliminate tailpipe emissions from new light-duty vehicles by 2035
GM has committed to the Business Ambition Pledge for 1.5⁰C
Source: media.gm.com
Importantly, these announcements follow that of automakers that have made similar commitments, e.g., VW and Nissan.
Kicking the tailpipe…
The shift of manufacturer strategies has been inspired by the realization that the internal combustion engine vehicle will soon be obsolete.
Government declarations have made it clear that the future lies with zero-emission solutions. Countries and states have declared future bans on the sale of new gas vehicles. Governments have also signaled the intention to transition their fleets - in the U.S., President Biden has indicated his intent to transition its 600,000+ vehicle fleet to electric.
Of course, consumer preferences are changing. As long-range EVs become even more affordable and available in all makes and models, they are becoming the preference for car buyers.
This is all creating a nice virtuous cycle, one that will help nudge us to a tipping point and a reality of emission-free mobility.
