Currently, there is a strong emphasis on electrification in the transportation sector to reduce carbon emissions. Promoting electric vehicles is considered a key solution to reduce pollution, but relying solely on electric vehicles is not enough. Other technologies must also be adopted in parallel to achieve a stable and effective solution.
Electric vehicles are better for the environment as they generate less pollution and run on electricity instead of oil-based fuels. Additionally, electrification increases energy efficiency. However, sufficient charging infrastructure is required, which has not been fully established in countries like Europe.
In addition to electric vehicles, it is important to develop technologies like hydrogen, biofuels, and synthetic fuels. The use of these technologies can provide alternative energy sources for the transportation sector. For example, increasing the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles and biofuel-powered vehicles can reduce reliance on conventional fuels.
Adopting other alternatives along with electrification is essential for the future of the transportation sector. Relying on a single technology may not be the right solution. By adopting various technologies together, we can create a flexible and stable transportation system that benefits both the environment and the economy.
Therefore, we should not only focus on electric vehicles, but also promote hydrogen, biofuels, and other alternative technologies equally. This will not only reduce carbon emissions but also make the transportation sector more sustainable by utilizing every technological solution.
David Bothé, Director of Frontier Economics, believes that India can learn important lessons from Europe's transportation policies, especially in the context of reducing carbon emissions and decarbonizing the transportation sector. Europe has made several efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in the transportation sector through electrification, but despite these efforts, emissions in the road transport sector have not decreased. David Bothé, highlighting Europe's failures, has advised India to adopt a more balanced and multi-dimensional approach.
He suggests that India should develop all types of technologies, such as electric vehicles, hydrogen, biofuels, and synthetic fuels, in parallel to effectively and quickly reduce carbon emissions. He pointed out that the decarbonization process in Europe has not yet been successful, especially in the transportation sector.
Europe Failure and Reasons
Since 1990, most of Europe has seen a reduction in carbon emissions, but in the transportation sector, emissions have increased. The main reason for this is the higher emissions from road transport.
Policy-making in Europe has primarily focused on electrification. The European law has set a "zero emissions" target by 2035, which will impose a ban on combustion engines. However, this approach has not been successful so far.
For example, Germany set a target of 15 million electric vehicles by 2030, but this goal is far from being achieved. The main reasons are the lack of charging infrastructure and energy supply.
Solution
David Bothé suggested that instead of relying solely on electric vehicles, various types of technologies need to be adopted in parallel. These include electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel, synthetic fuels, and CNG.
He mentioned that his study report found that if the transportation sector is to run on wind and solar energy, large-scale energy infrastructure will be required. For example, if all new vehicles are electric by 2030, 80,000 kilometers of new power transmission lines will be required, but in reality, it is not possible to build such infrastructure at that speed.
Suggestions for India
1. Prioritize Infrastructure: Energy availability and powertrain development should go hand in hand.
2. Don't Rely on One Solution: Give equal importance to electric vehicles, hydrogen, biofuels, and synthetic fuels.
3. Encourage Technological Innovation: Promote improvements and competition in all types of technologies.
4. Adopt a Flexible Approach: Avoid rigid regulations and work towards adopting all technologies together.
Conclusion
David Bothé emphasized that India should avoid repeating Europe's policy mistakes. India should adopt a balanced and multi-dimensional approach that not only reduces carbon emissions but also promotes economic and technological development.
