Car and truck manufacturers, from Volkswagen to Nissan to Ford, have embraced the idea that reducing carbon emissions, in line with the Paris Agreement, should be a key element of their business endeavor.
Are they doing enough? Studies show that its targets are still a long way from what is needed, but it is unclear whether automakers are solely responsible for the shortfall.
While some argue that automakers should plan for the neutrality of their vehicle fleets under all circumstances, companies argue that their ability to transition to electric vehicles (EV) depends on conditions beyond your direct control.
The consultant Boston Consulting Group said in a report published last week that at least 90% of new passenger cars and 70% of trucks must be electric by 2030 to meet climate targets, echoing environmental groups like Greenpeace.
Among the major car brands, very few – including Volvo de Geely and Bentley’s VW – 100% electric vehicle production targets have been set by then. Most argue that they cannot take full responsibility for the transition to electric vehicles if the market conditions are not in place to remain profitable in the process.
The German luxury car manufacturer Daimler, for example, has not wanted to affirm that it will produce only electric vehicles by 2030 whatever happens, but has stressed that it will be “ready to go fully electric when market conditions allow”.
“We will lead from the front. Is it realistic to convert 100% of the market by 2030? It would be an exaggeration”, Said the general director of Daimler, Ola Kaellenius, who added that he hopes that countries and economic regions will do their bit at the top COP26, synchronizing their plans for the implementation of electric vehicles.
The charging infrastructure is just one of many challenges that stand in the way of the automotive industry, which according to the International Energy Agency it is responsible for around 18% of all carbon emissions in the world, and climate neutrality.
Others are getting rid of fossil fuel-powered cars still on the road, reducing emissions in battery production, and building renewable energy storage systems to ensure that the electricity to charge electric cars comes from renewable sources.
Too little, too late?
Under carbon reduction policies already agreed by governments and car manufacturers, global CO2 emissions from vehicles will continue to rise going forward, according to research by the International Council on Clean Transportation.
If the policies being discussed are applied, the growth trajectory stabilizes, but still does not decline, notes the study, which highlights the increasing demand for cars, buses and trucks in the coming years due to population and growth growth. economic activity in emerging markets.
While one in five vehicles sold in Europe in the last quarter was electrified, the percentage is much lower in the United States, around 2%. Electric vehicles represent an even smaller share of sales in less affluent markets, such as Latin America or Southeast Asia.
Automakers and governments must also find answers for unions, who fear that the rapid switch to electric vehicles will put thousands of workers out of work.
For example, the German trade unions require Stellantis clarify your plans for the plants Opel, and US President Joe Biden faces union pressure United Auto Workers to provide more state support during the transition to electric vehicles.
“There are many factors at play we try to project a realistic image“Said a spokesman for the German BMW. “But if certain conditions change, we will of course have to re-examine our climate goals. “
Carbon emitter
Most of a vehicle’s emissions do not come from the manufacturing process, but rather from the fuel used to power it, be it electricity, gasoline or diesel.
In the case of electric vehicles, the battery manufacturing process is also a major carbon emitter, as a Volkswagen ID.3, for example, generates almost twice the emissions of a diesel equivalent in the production phase, according to company calculations.
While car manufacturers are investing more and more in producing batteries in a more environmentally friendly way, controlling the source of energy that flows to electric cars is much more difficult.
Automobile manufacturers like VW and Tesla They are increasing their offering of residential storage systems for customers to power vehicles through mechanisms such as solar panels on their rooftops, but the question of who is responsible for obtaining and distributing energy in public spaces is more controversial.
Even if automakers do invest in public charging stations, continuing renewable energy storage problems could force energy providers to turn to coal and natural gas to meet short-term demand, as recent volatility of energy has shown. energy markets.
Lobbyists such as the European Association of Automobile Manufacturers and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which is based in the United States, have urged countries to invest in recharging infrastructure based on renewable energy, from public-private investments to projects. fully financed by the state.
But some environmental groups argue that tapping into taxpayer funds is unfair, as the networks would disproportionately benefit businesses and car owners, as opposed to spending on public transportation.
Another persistent problem is the gasoline and diesel cars that will continue to circulate on the roads after 2030, raising the sector’s emissions well above the limit necessary to stay within the limits of the Paris Accords, according to the researchers.
Even if half of the new cars sold in 2035 were zero emissions – which would be the climate targets set by BMW, General Motors and Nissan – About 70% of the vehicles that will circulate on the roads will continue to burn fossil fuels, has affirmed Boston Consulting.
“Therefore, even the economies at the forefront in the fight against climate change are likely not to meet the decarbonisation targets.”.
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Ricardo is a renowned author and journalist, known for his exceptional writing on top-news stories. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he is known for his ability to deliver breaking news and insightful analysis on the most pressing issues of the day.
