Abstract
Fit for 55
Our climate crisis requires big, bold action now. Fortunately, the European Union has announced exactly that. The “Fit for 55” package is the European answer to the ever-growing demands by climate activists. Objectives such as the “member states’ emission reduction targets”, energy efficiency and CO2 emission standards for cars and vans will be important pillars in the “Fit for 55” package for e-mobility.
It aims to reduce the overall GHG emissions of the EU by 55% by 2030, a staggering project. While various programs have been established, such as the emission trading system (ETS) action in the transport sector holds the most potential. We currently have a viable tool for drastically reducing GHG emissions caused by transportation, namely the electric vehicle.
Electric Vehicles
The electric vehicle already existed before the first combustion engine car was produced. William Morrison’s self-propelled carriage was the sensation at the 1893 Chicago’s World Fair. However, the inability to charge the battery efficiently and, therefore, its restricted range hindered its success and paved the way for combustion engine cars.
It took another century until the electric vehicle became increasingly intriguing. The growing awareness about climate change functioned as a catalyst. Nowadays, we have affordable cars which can drive up to two hundred miles without a battery charge. The electric vehicle has become a means of transportation for everyone, and it is here to stay.2
The key component in favor of an electric vehicle is its net-zero GHG emission. Neither toxic gases nor smoke is emitted while the car engine is running. In addition, due to the simplicity of the engine, especially compared with a combustion engine, modest maintenance costs prevail. Furthermore, the car does not produce any distorting noises. It reduces overall noise pollution drastically.
Although there are various advantages for the EV, some challenges exist as well. One major issue is the number of rare metals needed to produce the batteries. The most precious metal is lithium, which is mined foremost in Australia, Chile and China. The current production cannot keep up with the proposed demand. It will be crucial to harvest from additional sources soon, as well as further develop the recycling rate of the existing car batteries. According to Ms Yüksel, this will not only make EV more sustainable, but also reduce the probability of future bottlenecks. Another threat exists, namely an exploitation of lithium-rich countries, similar to the situation with African countries and diamonds. A combined social justice approach to harvest lithium efficiently and sustainably must include a fair price for the domestic workers and benefit the country.
The EV emits more GHG during its production. Combustion engine car production emits around ten tons of CO2, while EV production under the current circumstances emits between 16-19 tonnes of CO2. This is due to the metal harvest process as well as their refinement. Fortunately, this value will drastically change in the near future due to the increasing battery recycling rate.
Electric cars are perceived as a far more expensive means of transportation. Although the initial investment might be higher, the actual costs can be similar or even lower than those for a combustion engine car. This is due to the cheaper forms of recharging the vehicles, as well as the possibility to lease the most expensive component, the battery. Nonetheless, financial subsidies will be necessary to overcome the initial barrier in form of the high price.
An EV powered by renewable energy accounts for 36 CO2 per kWh. At the same time, if the energy is coming from a coal-fired source it is around 800-850g CO2 per kWh, nearly twenty-four times as much. Therefore, the acceleration of e-mobility must go hand in hand with a substantial upsurge in renewable energy.
Education
“Education is crucial to promote climate action. It helps people understand and address the impacts of the climate crisis, empowering them with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes needed to act as agents of change.”
In an effort to accelerate e-mobility in the EU, the population must welcome this change. This can be achieved if it is effectively educated about climate change and EV potential. Initiatives such as the Education for Climate Coalition have already been introduced, but not yet harnessed efficiently. It is an initiative that is suitable for every level of education and for every age. Programs such as the “rooms for experimentation,” “lab for solutions,” and “collaborative online forums” are ideal for connecting like minded individuals and increasing awareness.
Past events have shown that meaningful education can have a vital impact, for instance the ozone layer issue. In the 1980’s researchers discovered the thinning of the ozone layer. The global community united, raised awareness, and solved the problem.
Rooting for the same cause can be achieved by educating everyone in the EU. The first step has been taken by Italy, which has introduced a mandatory class for climate change. The responsible Minister for Education even emphasized that combating climate change is not only an environmental, but also a social justice problem. This perfectly summarizes the importance of education about climate change and ought to be an example for the entire EU.
One aspect that makes an important difference is the role of media and journalism in general. As the government on its own is limited in terms of incentivizing individuals to purchase an EV, the media holds a lot of power. It turns out that print media still has the highest impact on the consumer's buying decision in regards to cars. In addition, it was discovered that a correlation between awareness and willingness to purchase an EV exists. This fortunate relationship must be used to its fullest extent.
Financial Subsidies
The perception of EVs being a luxury item and only feasible for the wealthy continues. In 2022 the Austrian government provides €167,2 million for e-mobility. An individual can receive up to €5,000 per car. This is essential due to the comparably high investment costs at the beginning. The EU must promote similar subsidies on an EU level for a more efficient result.
With the intention of further decreasing the initial burden and the unaffordable reputation of EVs, additional incentives must be introduced, such as free parking, cheaper highway tolls and a reduction of the purchasing tax. These are actions that Norway has introduced over the years, and it now boasts a staggering almost 70% of all new vehicles being electric. This, in combination with improved interest of investors, also led to a rise in charging possibilities which in turn made an EV cheaper than a combustion engine car in Norway. The Norwegian example ought to function as a role model for the EU.
Clean Energy
Currently, only 22% of EU energy is renewable. The “Fit for 55” package aims at lifting it to 40% by 2030, but an even larger surge is necessary. e While the reclassification of nuclear energy as a renewable source boosts the percentage it is not the renewable energy increase that is required. Expanding the solar and wind energy resources in the EU will not only provide new jobs in a stable environment, but also diminish the reliance on oil producing countries. This is further amplified by studies that show a green investment creates more jobs than in other energy sectors. Therefore, an acceleration of e-mobility must go hand in hand with ramping up renewable resources in the EU.
Recommendation
Climate change mitigation is no longer just an option or a noble thing, it has become a necessity. The “Fit for 55” initiative is an important step in the right direction, however much more is required. The EU must further increase the number of EV registrations. This can be achieved via the mentioned actions and by following Mr. Foster’s proposal of expanding the charging infrastructure and stimulating the advertizement of EVs. In 2022 only 5,3% of the total fleet in the EU, which is around 281,000,000 cars, were EVs. Some suggest that 40 million EVs should be on the road in the EU by 2030. It can only be the lower bar. The EU must aim for even higher figures, following the path of Norway.
Works Cited
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