Analysis from the Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI) revealed that carbon emissions could be lowered by more than 30% between 2010 and 2022.
In the report, researchers suggested that if cars remained the same size, then the large SUV trend would’ve never occurred. Instead, the reduction in car emissions was only 4.2%, nullifying the positive effects of electric vehicles.
SUVs account for 51% of the new car market, and their average footprint is getting bigger, measuring about 45 square feet. Additionally, SUVs sell for premium prices but have comparatively lower manufacturing costs, so manufacturers are eager to market them to consumers since they generate enormous profits.
Electric vehicles represent 15% of global car sales for 2022 and use three to six times less energy than ICE vehicles for the same distance. Markets with considerable growth in the EV space, such as China and Europe, experienced the biggest annual energy efficiency increases of close to 6%. North America saw a 1.6% annual improvement rate while having a lower market acceptance of EVs.
Furthermore, the report also urges governments to impose size limits on both ICE and hybrid vehicles to reverse the SUV trend and hasten the transition to smaller EVs. Cities like Paris, are considering such restrictions like stricter environmental and safety laws for heavily used vehicles, including government fleets, ride- and car-sharing services, company cars, and taxis.
Nonetheless, the report advocates for increased spending on renewable energy, the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, the implementation of carbon pricing, rules governing the deployment of minimum EV charging infrastructure, and financial tools intended to promote affordable access to EVs.
