Summary
- Transport emissions in Europe are starting to fall as the EV market grows, saving 20 million tonnes of CO2 this year
- Europe’s transport sector emitted 1.05 billion tonnes of CO2 in 2024, down from 1.1 billion tonnes in 2019
- Europe is still heavily reliant on imports for crude oil and natural gas, but the switch to EVs is helping decrease emissions
- Despite progress in reducing car emissions, aviation emissions in Europe are on the rise
- Funds raised from the EU’s carbon market can help bridge the price gap between green e-fuels and traditional fossil fuels
Article
The State of European Transport report highlights the positive impact of the growth in the electric vehicle (EV) market on reducing transport emissions in Europe. The report shows that Europe is set to save 20 million tonnes of CO2 this year due to the increasing number of electric cars on the road. Despite the reduction in emissions from road transport, the growth in air travel is undermining these carbon savings. The report emphasizes the importance of maintaining and strengthening green policies to support the transition to a more sustainable transport sector.
The analysis in the report reveals that Europe’s transport sector emitted 1.05 billion tonnes of CO2 in 2024, a 5% drop from 2019. This decrease is largely attributed to the rising number of battery electric vehicles in the EU car fleet, with close to 9 million expected on the roads by the end of the year. Without the shift to EVs, an additional 20 million tonnes of CO2 would have been emitted, highlighting the significant impact of electric cars in reducing emissions. The report emphasizes the importance of continuing to promote EV adoption to further drive down emissions in the transport sector.
William Todts, the executive director at T&E, stresses the importance of the EU’s green policies in achieving a structural decline in transport emissions. While Europe is starting to reduce its dependence on oil, imports of crude oil and natural gas remain high. The report highlights that Europe needs to prioritize green measures for its prosperity and energy security, rather than rolling back policies that are beginning to show positive results. It also points out the significant financial savings associated with the production and lifetime consumption of materials for EVs compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles.
Despite progress in reducing emissions from cars, the report highlights the rising emissions from aviation and shipping sectors in Europe. Airlines emitted 143 million tonnes of CO2 in 2024, a nearly 10% increase from the previous year, while shipping emissions remain high at 195 million tonnes of CO2e. Both sectors heavily rely on fossil fuels, emphasizing the need for more sustainable solutions to reduce emissions. The inclusion of shipping in the EU’s carbon market, along with estimated revenues of €5 billion in 2024, presents an opportunity to bridge the gap between green e-fuels and traditional fossil fuels.
The report also addresses the issue of Europe’s heavy reliance on imports for key materials in battery production for EVs, such as lithium, nickel, and aluminum. While metals can be recycled, Europe still spends significant amounts on oil imports, amounting to €250 billion in 2024. The analysis suggests that the shift towards EVs will significantly reduce material consumption over the lifetime of a vehicle compared to fuel consumption in combustion engine cars. This highlights the long-term benefits of transitioning to EVs in terms of material efficiency and reduced resource dependence.
In conclusion, the State of European Transport report underscores the progress made in reducing transport emissions through the adoption of electric vehicles. It also highlights the need for stronger green policies to support the continued decline in emissions and address the challenges posed by increasing air travel. The report presents opportunities to leverage revenues from carbon markets to incentivize the transition to greener fuels and technologies in the aviation and shipping sectors. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of sustained efforts to promote sustainable transport solutions in Europe for energy independence, economic prosperity, and environmental protection.
Read the full article here
