Summary
- Large, heavy EVs are hindering the progress of global transportation electrification
- Policies should discourage the production and purchase of larger vehicles and promote smaller, more efficient EVs
- Governments and manufacturers should work together to address the resource-intensive nature of large EVs
- Technological innovations and incentives are needed to shift consumer preferences towards smaller EVs
- Public awareness campaigns and urban policies can also help in promoting the adoption of smaller electric models
Article
In a recent article, Christian Brand, a professor at the University of Oxford, argues that the trend towards heavy, large electric vehicles (EVs) is hindering the progress of global transportation electrification. Brand refers to this trend as “mobesity” and highlights how the production, sales, and use of heavy EVs are increasing demand for resources and undermining the goals of electrification to reduce emissions and combat climate change. Despite the electrification of the global fleet, reductions in energy consumption and emissions may not occur at the necessary scale and pace to meet climate targets.
Global plugin vehicle registrations have seen a significant increase, with 1.3 million registrations in May 2024, representing a 23% growth compared to the previous year. However, the popularity of heavy, large EVs persists, with automakers introducing larger models that appeal to consumer preferences. The shift towards larger EVs mirrors the trend observed in internal combustion engine vehicles, with automakers producing fewer smaller EV models and investing in heavy, large vehicles that yield higher profit margins.
While heavy, large EVs offer benefits such as extended range and reduced lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, they also come with drawbacks. These include a higher environmental footprint, increased resource requirements for battery production, and greater energy consumption throughout the vehicle and fuel lifecycles. To address these challenges, Brand suggests implementing policy interventions that discourage the production and purchase of larger vehicles and promote smaller, more efficient EVs.
Potential solutions include taxation systems that increase with a vehicle’s weight and power, incentives for manufacturers to develop and market smaller EVs, advancements in battery technology to reduce material use, stronger recycling mandates, and the redesign of urban spaces to discourage the use of large vehicles. Countries such as Sweden and France, as well as cities like New York City, have explored such policies, providing models for global adoption. Brand emphasizes the importance of comprehensive measures to address the issue of mobesity and ensure that the transition to electric mobility aligns with climate goals.
Ultimately, Brand sees a need for concerted efforts from policymakers, technologists, manufacturers, and consumers to steer the transportation sector towards a more sustainable future. By confronting the challenges of mobesity and promoting the adoption of smaller, more efficient EVs, the global transition to electrification can deliver on its promise of reducing emissions and building a more sustainable transportation system.
Read the full article here
