Cutting carbon emissions is critical to the global fight against climate change. Vehicles account for around 14% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making the transportation industry one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions worldwide. In order to tackle this issue, world leaders at COP27 stressed on the necessity of vigorous climate action in a number of areas, with a particular emphasis on switching to cleaner energy sources.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising solution in this fight against climate change. As global emissions targets become more ambitious, EVs have been highlighted as pivotal for reducing transportation-related carbon footprints. In this opinion piece, we will explore how EVs can play a crucial role in helping nations meet the COP27 climate goals, particularly those related to carbon emissions. Additionally, there will be a detailed comparison of expected progress from 2025 to 2035 in EV adoption, emissions reductions, and related infrastructure development.
Road transport accounts for the largest portion of the transportation sector's long-standing contribution to global emissions. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that transportation accounted for 24% of the world's energy-related CO2 emissions in 2020. If present patterns continue, this number might increase, highlighting the pressing need to address this industry.
Approximately 10% of worldwide emissions come from road transportation, which is mostly caused by the extensive usage of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. Because they burn fossil fuels, these cars release CO2 and other pollutants into the atmosphere. The challenge of decarbonizing this sector is significant, but the opportunity to replace ICE vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs) has become a central strategy for governments and businesses alike.
Electric motors use less energy than internal combustion engines,. Moreover, EVs are a cleaner option than cars that run on gasoline or diesel because they emit no tailpipe emissions. About 16 million EVs were on the road globally as of 2021, accounting for 1.8% of all vehicles. However, this adoption rate must increase in order to reach the goals set by COP27 and the larger climate agenda.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global stock of electric cars needs to increase to around 145 million by 2030 to be on track for net-zero emissions by 2050. This increase in EV adoption will be driven by a combination of factors, including falling battery prices, improved charging infrastructure, and stronger government policies aimed at reducing emissions from the transportation sector.
At COP27, leaders committed to ambitious targets for reducing emissions, particularly focusing on the 1.5°C pathway. Central to these efforts is the transition to cleaner energy, which includes not only shifting to renewable energy sources but also transitioning key sectors, such as transportation, away from fossil fuels. A significant portion of the 50% emissions reduction goal by 2035 depends on decarbonizing transportation.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are central to achieving the targets set at COP27, as they play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector, improving energy efficiency, and integrating renewable energy sources. The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, responsible for nearly a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions. As countries strive to meet the climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement, the widespread adoption of EVs presents a viable and impactful solution. By tackling emissions directly from road transport, enhancing the efficiency of energy use, and enabling a seamless integration with renewable energy, EVs offer a pathway to achieving the ambitious targets set by COP27.
One of the most compelling reasons for shifting to electric vehicles is the potential to drastically reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global transportation sector accounted for around 7.3 gigatons of CO2 emissions in 2021, with road transport being the dominant contributor. Conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel emit a significant amount of CO2 through the burning of fossil fuels, making the transition to EVs essential for reducing overall emissions from this sector.
A recent report from the IEA projects that if EV adoption continues to rise at its current pace, by 2040, electric vehicles could reduce global CO2 emissions by 2.3 billion tons per year. To put this into perspective, this reduction is equivalent to removing approximately 400 million gasoline-powered vehicles from the road-about half of the current number of cars in the United States. This dramatic reduction in emissions could significantly contribute to global efforts to meet climate targets and slow the progression of climate change. By reducing emissions from road transport, EVs will play a pivotal role in achieving the goals of COP27, particularly those focused on carbon neutrality by 2050 and reducing emissions by 45% by 2030.
In addition to direct reductions in CO2 emissions, EVs also produce zero tailpipe emissions, meaning they do not release harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) or particulate matter (PM), which are significant contributors to air pollution and public health issues. This further highlights the environmental and social benefits of transitioning to EVs, especially in densely populated urban areas where air quality is a critical concern.
The transition to electric vehicles is intrinsically tied to the global shift toward renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. One of the most exciting aspects of EV adoption is the opportunity to integrate these vehicles with clean energy systems. EVs can be powered directly by renewable energy, further reducing the carbon footprint of transportation.
As the electricity grid becomes greener, with an increasing share of energy coming from renewable sources, the environmental benefits of EVs will be amplified. When EVs are charged using renewable energy, their emissions can be virtually zero, creating a "green" transportation system. Additionally, this can have a synergistic effect, benefiting both the transportation sector and the renewable energy sector. The large-scale adoption of EVs can lead to reduced demand for electricity generated from fossil fuels, thereby lowering the overall carbon intensity of the electricity grid.
For instance, a study by the IEA suggests that as more renewable energy comes online and EV adoption increases, the grid's carbon intensity-its level of CO2 emissions per unit of electricity consumed-will decrease. In countries where renewable energy makes up a significant portion of the grid's generation capacity, such as in Denmark, Sweden, and parts of Germany, EVs can play a transformative role in reducing emissions from both the transportation and power sectors.
Furthermore, EVs can also serve as a form of energy storage. Through a process called vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, EVs can store excess renewable energy during periods of high generation (e.g., during sunny days for solar power or windy days for wind energy) and return it to the grid when demand is high or renewable energy generation is low. This capability could help stabilize the grid, improve energy reliability, and facilitate the transition to a more sustainable energy system. As more countries adopt renewable energy and EVs, the integration of these two technologies will become increasingly important in achieving COP27's emissions reduction goals.
Another major advantage of electric vehicles is their superior energy efficiency compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. EVs are much more efficient in converting energy into movement, which directly translates to lower energy consumption per mile traveled. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, electric motors are capable of converting 85-90% of electrical energy into vehicle movement, while gasoline engines only convert about 20-30% of energy from fuel into motion. The remainder of the energy is lost as heat through the engine and exhaust system.
This stark difference in efficiency means that EVs are not only more environmentally friendly but also more cost-effective in the long run. The cost of charging an EV is typically much lower than the cost of fueling a gasoline-powered car, particularly when the vehicle is charged using renewable energy. Over time, widespread EV adoption will lead to considerable energy savings for consumers, reducing overall energy demand and promoting sustainability.
Furthermore, the lower operating costs of EVs-due to fewer moving parts, lower maintenance needs, and the decreasing cost of electricity compared to gasoline or diesel-make them more affordable for consumers in the long run. As battery technology continues to improve and costs decrease, EVs will become increasingly accessible to a broader range of consumers, helping to accelerate their adoption and maximize their contribution to COP27's targets.
The financial savings for consumers are not the only benefit. Governments and industries that adopt EV technology can also realize significant economic advantages. By reducing their dependence on imported oil, countries can improve their energy security and reduce their trade deficits. Additionally, as the global demand for electric vehicles rises, industries that focus on the production of EVs and their components will experience significant growth, fostering job creation and economic development.
Looking ahead, the shift from 2025 to 2035 will be critical in accelerating EV adoption, improving infrastructure, and achieving the COP27 climate goals. This shift involves more than just adopting EVs but also includes expanding charging networks, reducing battery costs, and implementing supportive policies.
Key Metrics for 2025 to 2035:
| Metric | 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| Global EV Adoption | 20 to 25% of vehicle stock (2025) → 50 to 60% of vehicle stock (2035) |
| EVs on the Road (Global) | ~45 million (2025) → ~250 million (2035) |
| Global CO2 Emissions Reduction | 5 to 10% reduction (2025) → 30 to 40% reduction (2035) |
| Electric Charging Stations | ~2 million stations (2025) → ~10 million stations (2035) |
| Battery Prices | USD 100/kWh (2025) → USD 60/kWh (2035) |
The period from 2025 to 2035 will be a critical decade for the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), marking a significant shift toward decarbonizing the global transportation sector. With the growing urgency of addressing climate change and meeting the targets set at COP27, EVs are set to become a key component of the strategy to reduce global carbon emissions. This period will see rapid growth in the number of EVs on the road, substantial reductions in CO2 emissions, critical expansions in charging infrastructure, and significant reductions in the cost of EV batteries. Together, these factors will accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly transportation system.
By 2025, EVs are expected to make up approximately 20-25% of the global vehicle stock, translating to an estimated 45 million electric vehicles on the roads worldwide. This initial milestone marks a significant step forward in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Several factors are driving this adoption, including stricter environmental regulations, technological advancements, and increased consumer demand for cleaner alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered cars. The market for electric vehicles is expanding rapidly, with countries like China, the European Union, and the United States leading the way in both production and sales.
The transition from 2025 to 2035 will witness even more dramatic growth in EV adoption. By 2035, it is projected that EVs will comprise 50 to 60% of the global vehicle stock, amounting to more than 250 million electric vehicles in circulation. This remarkable shift in vehicle composition will have a profound impact on global carbon emissions and will be one of the key drivers of decarbonization within the transportation sector. The expected increase in EV adoption is driven by several factors, including government policies promoting clean energy technologies, the development of new EV models, and the continued improvement of charging infrastructure.
As EV adoption rises, the global transportation sector is poised to experience significant reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. EVs are inherently more environmentally friendly than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts because they produce zero tailpipe emissions. By 2025, the emissions from road transport are expected to be 5 to 10% lower than current levels, largely due to the adoption of electric vehicles. The increased market penetration of EVs will directly reduce the amount of CO2 released from road transport, as EVs replace traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles that emit large quantities of greenhouse gases.
By 2035, the shift to electric vehicles is projected to reduce global CO2 emissions from road transport by 30 to 40%. This reduction will be a major contribution to meeting the climate targets outlined in COP27, particularly the goal of achieving a 45% reduction in global emissions by 2030. The widespread adoption of EVs over the next decade will be a critical component in achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century. As more countries adopt EV-friendly policies and EV adoption becomes more mainstream, the decarbonization of the transportation sector will play a pivotal role in reducing global emissions.
It is important to note that the environmental benefits of EV adoption are not limited to CO2 emissions. EVs also produce significantly lower levels of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) compared to ICE vehicles. These pollutants are linked to severe health problems, including respiratory issues, heart disease, and premature death, particularly in urban areas. Thus, the shift to electric vehicles will not only help mitigate climate change but also improve air quality and public health on a global scale.
One of the most significant barriers to widespread EV adoption is the availability of charging infrastructure. As the number of electric vehicles on the road increases, the need for a robust and accessible charging network becomes more urgent. By 2025, it is expected that approximately 2 million EV charging stations will be operational globally. While this represents a significant improvement over current levels, it will still be insufficient to meet the growing demand for charging infrastructure in the years ahead.
To accommodate the projected rise in EV adoption by 2035, the number of charging stations worldwide will need to expand significantly. By that year, experts estimate that there will be a need for around 10 million EV charging stations to ensure that EV drivers can charge their vehicles efficiently and conveniently. This increase in charging stations will be particularly important in urban areas, where high population densities and limited space make it essential to have widespread access to charging facilities. Additionally, the expansion of charging infrastructure along major highways and transportation corridors will be necessary to support long-distance travel for EV owners, addressing what is known as "range anxiety" – the fear of running out of battery power before reaching a charging station.
The development of fast-charging technology will also play a key role in expanding the EV charging network. Fast chargers, which can charge a vehicle's battery to 80% in as little as 30 minutes, will be essential for reducing wait times and making EV charging more convenient for users. Governments, utilities, and private companies will need to collaborate to ensure that charging infrastructure grows in tandem with the increasing adoption of electric vehicles.
Another major factor driving the adoption of EVs is the significant reduction in the cost of batteries, which make up a large portion of the overall cost of an electric vehicle. As battery technology advances and economies of scale are achieved, the cost of manufacturing batteries is expected to decline sharply over the next decade. In 2025, the average cost of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles is projected to be around USD 100 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). However, by 2035, this cost is expected to drop to USD 60 per kWh, making electric vehicles significantly more affordable for consumers.
The reduction in battery costs will not only make EVs more accessible to a broader range of buyers but will also help reduce the overall cost of ownership. Lower battery prices will allow automakers to produce more affordable electric vehicles, thereby increasing their appeal to middle-class consumers, particularly in developing economies where cost remains a significant barrier to adoption. As the upfront cost of EVs becomes more competitive with internal combustion engine vehicles, it is expected that EV adoption will accelerate even further.
In addition to reducing the cost of EVs, the lower cost of batteries will also contribute to lower operating costs over the life of the vehicle. EVs are already cheaper to maintain than traditional cars because they have fewer moving parts, no need for oil changes, and longer-lasting brake systems due to regenerative braking. As battery prices continue to decrease, the total cost of owning an electric vehicle will become increasingly attractive, driving further adoption worldwide.
As the cost of batteries falls, automakers will also have more flexibility to invest in other innovations, such as improving the range of EVs and enhancing their overall performance. This will likely lead to the development of a broader range of EV models, including more affordable options for consumers, as well as higher-end vehicles with extended ranges and advanced features.
Norway is often hailed as a global leader in EV adoption. By 2021, 54% of all new car sales in Norway were electric, making it the highest per capita EV market in the world. The Norwegian government has created a favorable environment for EV adoption, offering tax incentives, zero toll fees, and exemptions from certain taxes. Norway’s success provides a model for other nations looking to accelerate the transition to electric mobility.
China, the world’s largest car market, has made ambitious moves to boost EV adoption. The country has set a goal for 20% of new car sales to be electric by 2025. With a rapidly growing network of EV charging stations and substantial investments in EV manufacturing, China is expected to lead global EV stock growth in the coming decade.
India’s EV market is in its early stages but shows significant promise. The Indian government has set a target of 30% EV adoption by 2030, supported by incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies for electric two-wheelers, and electric buses for public transportation. As the cost of EVs continues to drop and charging infrastructure expands, India is poised to become one of the largest EV markets in the world by 2035.
Despite the promising potential of electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce carbon emissions and help meet global climate goals, such as those outlined in COP27, the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles faces several challenges and barriers. These challenges span technological, economic, and infrastructural domains, each of which presents a significant hurdle in accelerating the adoption of EVs on a global scale. Addressing these obstacles is essential for the widespread adoption of EVs, and for enabling them to play a central role in achieving climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
One of the primary challenges facing EV adoption is the lack of sufficient charging infrastructure, especially in rural and remote areas. The success of EVs hinges largely on the availability of convenient and accessible charging stations, but in many regions around the world, charging stations remain sparse. This issue is especially acute in regions with lower population densities, where the economic incentive to install charging stations is less compelling for private companies and governments.
In urban centers, EV charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly, and charging stations are becoming more common in areas such as shopping malls, public parking lots, and even residential complexes. However, in suburban and rural areas, the number of charging stations remains limited, and drivers are often deterred from purchasing EVs due to the fear of being unable to find a convenient place to charge their vehicles. Long charging times, especially for home-based charging, exacerbate the issue, making long trips more challenging for EV owners who are not near fast-charging infrastructure.
Expanding the charging infrastructure is not only a logistical challenge, but also a financial one. It requires significant investment in both the construction of charging stations and the integration of these stations into the existing electrical grid. Governments and private companies must work together to incentivize the creation of charging networks in underserved areas, as well as to improve charging speed and accessibility. The establishment of public-private partnerships and the development of standards for charging stations can help address this issue, ultimately ensuring that EV owners have access to charging stations whenever and wherever they need them.
The rapid growth of the EV market is driving a corresponding increase in the demand for the raw materials needed to produce batteries, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite. These materials are essential for the production of lithium-ion batteries, which are currently the most widely used in electric vehicles. However, the extraction of these raw materials raises several concerns, including environmental degradation, human rights abuses, and geopolitical instability.
The demand for lithium, in particular, has surged in recent years due to the growing popularity of electric vehicles, and as a result, the price of lithium has risen significantly. While new lithium deposits are being discovered, the extraction process can be environmentally harmful, often involving the depletion of water resources and the destruction of natural habitats. Cobalt, another key material, is mainly sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where child labor and poor working conditions are widespread. The ethical and environmental issues surrounding the extraction of these materials must be addressed if EV adoption is to be sustainable in the long term.
In addition to concerns about the extraction of raw materials, the recycling of EV batteries presents another significant challenge. While EV batteries can theoretically be recycled, the process is complex and costly. Currently, the global recycling capacity for lithium-ion batteries is limited, and much of the used battery material is not being recovered. This inefficiency contributes to concerns over resource depletion, as well as environmental pollution. Governments and manufacturers must invest in the development of more efficient battery recycling technologies to ensure that the increasing demand for EVs does not result in unsustainable consumption of raw materials.
Recycling EV batteries also faces technical challenges. Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, and recycling them requires specialized facilities and processes to extract valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The development of a circular economy for battery production, where old batteries are reused to create new ones, will be a critical step in making EVs more sustainable. Some companies are already investing in advanced recycling technologies, but scaling up these efforts will require significant investment and innovation in battery recycling infrastructure.
The cost of electric vehicles remains one of the most significant barriers to widespread adoption. Although the prices of EVs have been falling over the past decade due to advancements in battery technology and manufacturing efficiencies, electric vehicles are still often more expensive than their internal combustion engine counterparts, particularly in developing countries.
The primary cost driver for EVs is the cost of the battery. While battery prices have dropped significantly-by about 85% over the past decade-batteries still account for a substantial portion of the overall vehicle cost. As a result, the high upfront price of EVs remains a major deterrent for many consumers, particularly those in developing countries where incomes are lower and purchasing power is limited. For instance, in countries like India or Brazil, where the average income is lower, consumers may be unwilling or unable to afford the higher initial cost of an EV, even if it offers long-term savings on fuel and maintenance.
Government incentives and subsidies play a critical role in helping to bridge the price gap between EVs and ICE vehicles. Many countries, including the United States, China, and several European nations, have introduced tax credits, rebates, and other incentives to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles. These incentives can significantly reduce the effective cost of an EV, making them more affordable for consumers. However, such incentives are often temporary, and the long-term affordability of EVs will depend on continued technological advancements, economies of scale, and the reduction of battery costs.
In addition to the high upfront costs, the availability of affordable EV options in lower-income markets is limited. While more affordable EV models are entering the market, there is still a lack of vehicles in the budget-friendly segment, which further restricts adoption. As battery technology improves and economies of scale kick in, the prices of EVs will continue to fall, but ensuring that EVs are affordable for all income groups, including those in developing countries, remains a crucial challenge.
Moreover, many consumers are still hesitant to make the switch from ICE vehicles to EVs due to perceived limitations in performance, such as driving range, charging times, and reliability. While these concerns have been addressed to some extent by improvements in EV technology, many people still associate electric vehicles with higher costs, less convenience, and limited options.
To ensure that the world achieves its COP27 goals and accelerates the shift to EVs, the following policy actions are essential:
Electric vehicles are a crucial component of the global strategy to tackle carbon emissions and achieve the ambitious climate goals outlined in COP27. The shift from 2025 to 2035 will be transformative, with EVs playing a pivotal role in decarbonizing the transportation sector and helping to meet emission reduction targets. Governments, industries, and consumers must work together to overcome the challenges of EV adoption, ensuring that the transition to electric mobility is equitable, sustainable, and effective in combating climate change.
By embracing EVs as part of the broader climate strategy, the world can reduce emissions, improve air quality, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come. The journey from 2025 to 2035 is one of profound change, but with the right policies, investments, and innovations, we can achieve the ambitious goals set forth in COP27 and pave the way toward a low-carbon future.
