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Why green mobility works

In 2020, fossil-fuelled transportation was the third-highest polluter, accounting for some 20.27% of total global carbon dioxide (CO ) emissions, according to 2 Statista. The highest contributor was the coal-fired power sector, which generated approximately 36.51% of CO output, followed in second place at 21.74% by 2 ‘other industrial combustion’ – essentially manufacturing and fuel production.

While other greenhouse gases like methane are a serious concern, CO dominates at 2 close to 80% and jumped to its highest levels in 2021, rising by around 6% (36.4 billion tonnes), as reported by the International Energy Agency.

Just Energy Transition and EVs

It’s clear that a multipronged intervention strategy is required. These include initiatives like the Just Energy Transition, which protects economies and livelihoods during the progressive switch from coalfired to renewable energy sources.

Transportation is the next obvious sector, especially given the rate of urbanisation taking hold worldwide. The engineered responses will require intelligent and integrated transport networks that support the increasing roll-out of electric vehicles (EVs).

Passenger and commercial EVs are already making their presence known globally and will become increasingly more commonplace. For now, though, most EVs brands are priced at a premium.

One of the cheapest passenger cars is the Fiat 500 Electric, with the 42 kWh version selling in the UK for around £30 645 (approximately R628 000). This car provides a driving range of around 320 km (combined cycle) and a top speed of some 135 km/h.

However, there are far more affordable options coming out of China that will help to bring down prices dramatically and boost the much-needed EV population. Examples include Changli’s Mini EV, which retails for around US$10 000 (around R182 000) with a top speed of 45 km/h and a maximum range of 48 km – fine for congested inner-city routes.

Moratorium on petrol and diesel vehicles

Globally, there’s a moratorium on the future manufacturing of new petrol- and diesel-powered cars. In the UK, the cut-off is 2030. Hybrids have a specified bonus extension to 2035. After that, all cars rolling out of UK plants, or imported, will be EVs. The European Union, in turn, has set a date of 2035 for petrol and diesel engines.

These are tough targets and not too far around the corner. They will also have a direct impact on South Africa’s vitally important automotive manufacturing sector, which has a major focus on overseas export markets.

On the other hand, it’s a great opportunity for South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition to focus more on stimulating a vibrant EV industry that supports new jobs and industrial growth. We’re already seeing this gaining traction in the local renewable energy sector.

Public transport

Allied to its EV evolution, South Africa also needs to restore its commuter rail service as an essential and affordable public transport solution. According to the Department of Transport, there are plans to return to service 10 priority commuter rail corridors, three of which are in Gauteng.

For municipal bus fleets and the taxi industry, future green hydrogen and EV developments also have major downstream benefits, helping South Africa to achieve its net-zero greenhouse gas emissions targets by 2050.

Alastair

www.infrastructurenews.co.za

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