Abstract:

Electric vehicles (EVs) for road transport boost energy efficiency, require no direct fuel combustion and rely on electricity – the most diversified energy carrier, thereby contributing to a wide range of transport policy goals. These include enhanced energy security, better air quality, less noise and, in concert with a low-carbon power generation mix, reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, as one of the most innovative clusters in the automotive sector, EVs have substantial potential to enhance economic and industrial competitiveness and to attract investment where major markets can be developed. Dynamic market uptake of electric vehicles has occurred in recent years. On-going support and commitments for increased deployment of EVs from policy makers and the automotive industry suggest that this trend is not going to abate in the coming decade. In fact, increased sales volumes together with growing competition in the development of new technologies are likely to contribute to continuous reductions in the cost of manufacturing batteries – the most important cost component for EVs. Cost reductions in EV-related technologies further strengthen their competitiveness compared with internal combustion engine vehicles. This reinforces the case for road EVs taking an expanding market share, and perhaps a leading role in the evolution of transportation across all modes.

This report aims to analyse in detail the factors that have influenced recent developments in electric mobility, the dynamics behind the rapid evolution, the impacts on future prospects for electrification and the implications for policy developments