As the world battles climate change and aims for a more sustainable future, the electric vehicle (EV) industry has emerged as a critical component in the drive to net zero. But what exactly is net zero and what is the EV industry’s role in achieving this? In this article we have drawn up a summary of the EV industry’s crucial impact on achieving net zero.
What is net zero?
Net zero is the aim to eliminate additional greenhouse gases by removing the same amount of emissions added to the atmosphere. When the number of emissions produced is equal to the amount taken out of the atmosphere, this is net zero. The goal is to achieve this by the year 2050.
The role of the EV industry
The UK government reported that in 2021, the transport industry accounted for 26% of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. Not good if we’re looking to combat climate change. Electric vehicles, meanwhile, are a key element of this strategy, as they offer a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them an attractive solution for reducing carbon emissions and meeting the Net Zero goal. With governments and companies around the world committing to net zero targets, the demand for electric vehicles is expected to soar, driving innovation and investment in this sector. 34,034 new electric cars were registered in June 2024.
The importance of EV charging infrastructure
Public charging infrastructure is critical for widespread adoption of EVs. Public charging stations provide EV owners with a reliable and convenient way to charge their vehicles while on the go. The development of public charging infrastructure is critical for achieving a net zero future. When charged with renewable energy, EVs can operate with a lowered carbon footprint which reduces emissions and helps to decarbonise the transportation sector, which is critical for meeting global climate goals.
How is PoGo Charge facilitating this?
Here at PoGo Charge, we’re rolling out EV charging sites across the UK and working with numerous organisations and landowners to expand our charging network. As more people switch to EVs, public charging stations will be needed to support the growing demand for EV charging. The UK government wants to have at least 300,000 active public EV charging points installed across the UK by 2030. At the end of June 2024, this number was reported to be at almost 65,000. We’re continuing with our mission to build a reliable and sustainable EV network powered by 100% renewable energy, which benefits both drivers and the environment.
Looking to the future
As we look to the future, it is clear that the EV industry will play a critical role in achieving net zero targets. The development of public charging infrastructure will be essential for widespread adoption of EVs, thus reducing carbon emissions. By working together, we can create a more sustainable and efficient transportation system that helps us to achieve our goal of reaching net zero.
Sources:
https://netzeroclimate.org/what-is-net-zero-2/
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/net-zero-strategy