Like-for-like replacement of fossil-fuel-powered vehicles by identical electric-powered
vehicles is thought to be the main uptake pathway for electric vehicle (EV) uptake.
However, what characterises global passenger and freight EV markets is the emerging
uptake of smaller, lighter and shorter-ranged vehicle types specially designed for
urban areas. A shift towards a broader EV uptake could be an opportunity for more
sustainable and electric urban mobility systems – with comparatively lower electricity
and charging infrastructure demand and battery materials needs, lower emissions and
safer city streets. This report identifies the main use cases that could be part of
such a broader and sustainable EV uptake. It also quantifies the sustainability impacts
of different EV uptake scenarios that vary in vehicle fleet composition and degrees
of electrification ambition. Finally, it gives recommendations on how authorities
could leverage the passenger and freight EV transition for more sustainable cities.
Published on September 27, 2023
In series:International Transport Forum Policy Papersview more titles