Driver Magazine - Issue 1 Dec 24 (3) - Flipbook - Page 7
SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY:
THE FUTURE OF
MOTORING
BY
ROB
HARVEY
When it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
transportation is the UK’s biggest challenge. While Battery
Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are leading the charge for passenger
cars and vans, hydrogen shows promise for aviation,
shipping, buses, and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), especially
in scenarios where battery charging infrastructure and
range limitations are issues.
The UK’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate aims for 22% of
new cars to be ZEVs by 2024, increasing to 80% by 2030 and
100% by 2035. Although BEVs are expected to dominate, it’s
worth questioning if they are the best technology.
A ZEV, as defined by the UK Government, is a vehicle that emits
zero grams of CO2 per kilometre during the Worldwide
Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). This means
that both BEVs and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) qualify as
ZEVs. However, this definition doesn’t account for emissions
from the entire lifecycle of the vehicle.
Are ZEVs Actually Sustainable?
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) offers a more comprehensive view
by evaluating CO2 emissions from manufacturing to disposal.
For instance, although BEVs produce zero emissions at the
tailpipe, their overall CO2 impact includes the emissions from
electricity generation, which still relies partly on fossil fuels.
Currently, about 35% of the UK’s electricity is from fossil fuels,
while renewables and nuclear contribute 36% and 15%,
respectively.
The LCA results show that BEVs and Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicles (PHEVs) have similar total CO2 emissions, mainly due
to the significant CO2 produced during battery manufacturing
and the current energy mix.
Future improvements in battery recycling and increased
renewable energy use could tip the balance in favour of BEVs
though.
Hydrogen, especially green hydrogen produced from
renewable sources, has the potential to lower CO2 emissions
significantly. However, the infrastructure for green hydrogen is
still in its infancy. Early adoption is expected in buses and HGVs,
but the long-term demand will likely come from the shipping
and aviation sectors, where hydrogen can serve as an energy
carrier rather than a direct fuel.
While BEVs currently lead the zero-emission vehicle market,
hydrogen has a promising future, particularly for applications
where batteries fall short. The transport sector’s shift to greener
solutions will likely involve a mix of technologies, including
improved battery systems, green hydrogen, and synthetic
fuels.
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