Better Alternatives to Transport Encouraging Reduction in Emissions
BATTERIE
3.1 - Promote interoperability and continuity of existing transport networks, and sea/road/rail/air intermodality
Project Background
Recent scientific evidence on climate change has encouraged our cities to urgently consider alternative ways to reduce carbon emissions. The European Environment Agency estimates that automobiles alone account for 14% of the EU’s total CO2 emissions. The role of electric vehicles in the European transport sector has offered a vast opportunity for industry growth, technology development and most importantly, the much needed reduction of transport CO2 emissions. It is has become increasingly important to seize these growing opportunities in order to advance a low carbon future for the whole of the European Union.
On a global scale the momentum towards the electrification of transport continues to intensify as electric vehicles are quickly being considered the "next step" towards sustainable transport. Leading automotive analysts predict that the European market for Electric Vehicles could potentially grow up to 480,000 units by 2015. Despite this optimism, Electric Vehicles face substantial technical and commercial barriers in the global marketplace due to high initial costs and existing customer perceptions and expectations. A fundamental shift in consumer attitudes, along with education, pricing incentives, balanced taxation and a range of market instruments, will support the adoption of Electric Vehicles into the marketplace.
