5 things you should know about electric cars

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Report on the European Union’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Initiative

Introduction

In a significant move to cut emissions, the European Union adopted a law last year mandating that all new cars and vans sold in Europe be zero-emission by 2035. This initiative aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, affordable and clean energy, and sustainable cities and communities.

Current Trends in Electric Vehicles

As of 2023, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have become the most popular alternative to petrol and diesel cars, representing more than 14.6% of all new cars sold in the EU. Plug-in hybrid electric cars accounted for another 7.7%, indicating that over 1 in 5 new cars sold in Europe can now be charged electrically. This shift supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Benefits of Battery Electric Cars

1. Lower Environmental Footprint
   • BEVs do not emit gases when running, improving both climate and air quality, aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
   • They are more energy-efficient, consuming less than one-third of the energy per km compared to conventional cars.
   • The electricity used to power BEVs is increasingly produced from clean, renewable sources like solar and wind, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
   • Greenhouse gas emissions over the full lifetime of electric cars are significantly lower than those of conventional cars.
   • BEVs produce far less noise, drastically reducing noise pollution, which benefits both humans and wildlife.
2. Efficient and Sustainable Batteries
   • The performance of batteries is improving, making them last longer.
   • New generations of batteries require less raw material and are being rapidly developed.
   • The EU is implementing rules to make batteries and vehicles more sustainable, including sourcing raw materials responsibly and recycling batteries.
3. Increasing Driving Range and Expanding Recharging Network
   • Battery electric cars’ range is sufficient for daily commutes, with many models offering a range of over 235 km on a single charge.
   • The network of recharging points in the EU is rapidly expanding, with new legislation ensuring charging infrastructure keeps pace with the growing electric vehicle fleet.
   • Charging is becoming easier and faster, with the average recharging speed having more than tripled since 2011.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
   • Electric cars consume less energy and have lower maintenance needs than conventional cars, making the total cost of ownership lower over the vehicle’s lifetime.
   • Battery electric vehicles are expected to become cheaper to purchase than comparable conventional cars between 2025 and 2028.
   • Several EU Member States offer purchase incentives to support buyers, further reducing costs.
5. Safety
   • Battery electric cars meet the same safety requirements as conventional cars for both passive and active safety systems.
   • They also meet additional safety requirements specific to their electrical systems, ensuring they are safe to drive and charge.

Conclusion

The European Union’s zero-emission vehicle policy aims to address myths and doubts about electric vehicles by highlighting their benefits. By embracing clean, green energy and ditching fossil fuels, zero-emission vehicles can protect health, save the planet, and reduce costs. This initiative supports multiple SDGs, including SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), paving the way for a climate-friendly, reliable, affordable, and safe future in Europe.

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SDGs Analysis of the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
  • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
  • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
• SDG 13: Climate Action
  • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of new cars sold that are zero-emission (14.6% BEVs and 7.7% plug-in hybrids in 2023).
• Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per unit of electricity produced (halved between 1990 and 2023).
• Number of publicly accessible recharging points (more than doubled between 2021 and 2023).
• Average recharging speed (more than tripled since 2011).
• Lifespan and efficiency improvements in battery technology.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.

Fuente: climate.ec.europa.eu

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