The ZEV mandate will only apply to England, Wales and Scotland and not Northern Ireland. This is against the backdrop of Northern Ireland currently having less than 1 percent of UK’s total charging points with an alarming proportion of these being antiquated and unreliable. There are concerns that Northern Ireland will fall further behind the rest of the UK.

Speaking about the legislation to Fleetworld, Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) explains its significance: “The introduction of the ZEV mandate into law will be a key policy in driving electric vehicle uptake and will heavily influence the automotive retail sector in its ongoing transition to electric.”

She adds that: “The automotive retailing sector has been supportive of the Government’s targets for net-zero in 2050 and as such has invested heavily in driving the electrification of the vehicle parc.”

For 2024, original equipment makers (OEMs) will be subject to a £15,000 penalty per non-compliant car. If an OEM does not meet the target percentage for that year, then there are options to mitigate the fines including buying ‘credits’ from other OEMs who have a surplus. This type of carbon offset, a type of reduction, avoidance, or removal of emissions, to compensate for emissions released elsewhere has been criticised by environmentalists, with businesses facing accusations of “greenwashing” over their carbon-offsetting claims.

Robinson explains that NFDA’s Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme was also launched in 2019 to encourage retailers to enhance their expertise in the electric vehicle sector and increase consumer confidence during the transition to electric. Since its launch, the scheme reached a significant milestone last year of 500 accredited dealer sites, with many more still due to be processed in 2024.

One important factor will be ensuring there is demand and that the public understand the timelines involved and the consistency of public policy. This leads Robinson to state: “Nevertheless, there is still more that needs to be done by government to maintain the positive electric vehicle trajectory in registrations and increase public confidence in these greener, cleaner vehicle types. The recent news that government has missed its own target of six rapid or ultra-rapid chargers at every motorway service station in England by the end of 2023 will do the industry no favours in its attempts to ease the minds of consumers.”

Measures like price incentives and improving EV charging infrastructure are favoured by the NFDA. In addition, changing public perceptions and building trust and enthusiasm are important components in any strategy.

In the NFDA’s recent Consumer Attitude Survey, 62 percent of over 800 driving licence holders across the UK attributed cost and 57 percent attributed lack of charging facilities in the UK as to why they were not interested in purchasing an electric vehicle.

The post A road less travelled: UK tries to jump start the electric car revolution appeared first on Digital Journal.

The model simulates and quantifies pollution levels by neighbourhood, tracking hour-by-hour levels of nitrogen dioxide, ozone and particulate matter across areas as small as one kilometre. The simulations provide neighbourhood-scale estimates of air quality over the region by combining high-resolution emissions data with simulated meteorology to show how air pollutants chemically interact and accumulate — across time and space — throughout Chicago and surrounding areas.

This approach demonstrates where different pollutants form and how pollutants spread, interact with other gases and sunlight in the air and change according to seasons.

One of the inputs into the model was data from the American Community Survey which provided population and demographic data and incorporated mortality rates derived from health data.

In terms of modelling vehicles, this included tailpipe, refuelling and extended idling emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. Such vehicles included municipal buses, school buses, refuse trucks, short- and long-haul trucks and motor homes.

In terms of the outcomes, one scenario saw the researchers replace 30 percent of current on-road heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) with electric HDVs. This showed that electrifying HDVs would substantially reduce air pollution and save hundreds of lives annually in the region, with particularly large health benefits in predominantly Black, Hispanic and Latinx communities.

Under these test conditions, such a reduction of traffic-related pollution would result in a decrease of about 590 premature deaths per year due to reduced nitrogen dioxide concentrations and a decrease of about 70 premature deaths per year from particulate matter reductions. Premature deaths from ozone, however, would increase by about 50 deaths per year.

In addition, the findings indicates that electrifying heavy-duty vehicles across the U.S. could help reduce long-standing environmental injustices related to pollutant impact disparities in major metropolitan areas.

While heavy-duty vehicles only constitute a small portion of the total on-road vehicle fleet (6 percent), they disproportionately contribute to the emission and creation of health-harming air pollutants and greenhouse gases. Heavy-duty vehicle sector is the largest contributor to on-road nitrogen oxides and second largest source of on-road carbon dioxide emissions.

Current progress towards the electrification of passenger vehicles remains important, given their sheer numbers; however, from an impact perspective it is important to incentivize, and perhaps prioritise, transitioning fossil fuel-powered heavy-duty vehicles to electric vehicles. The research appears in the journal Nature Sustainability, titled “Air quality, health and equity implications of electrifying heavy-duty vehicles.”

The post Electrifying heavy-duty vehicles lowers environmental inequalities appeared first on Digital Journal.

The future technological path is not yet-clear as competing technologies continue to battle out for supremacy. The space also exists for further innovation (and as demand soars, the rollout promises huge rewards).

An important space for innovation is with technology hubs and one focused on electric vehicles has recently opened in Illinois. This centre is focused on developing electric compressors for commercial, heavy-duty, and automotive specialty markets.

Governor JB Pritzker, TCCI, Richland Community College, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have joined local leaders and partners to launch TCCI’s new electric vehicle Innovation Hub in Decatur, Illinois.

Announcing he development, Governor JB Pritzker said: “Illinois’ clean energy and electric vehicle industries are on the rise, and these investments are lifting up our talented workforce and demonstrating to the world that Illinois is once again open for business, and we’re fast becoming the most promising state in the country to invest in.”

Headquartered in Decatur, the new electric compressor line is set to produce the largest range of capacity and voltage of any compressor manufacturer in the electric vehicle automotive market.

By manufacturing electric compressors locally, the company TCCI is setting out not only to support the growth of electrification but also to  create high-wage, skilled jobs that fuel economic development in the local community.

An important component of the innovation hub is with building a skilled workforce. This is crystalised by the EV + Energy Workforce Training Academy, which will develop a skilled workforce in the electrified transportation industry and clean energy sector by preparing students to either enter directly into high wage jobs with their Associate in Applied Science (AAS) or Associate in Science (AS) degree or by seamlessly transferring to a university through 2+2 programs and articulations agreements.

Through the program, Richland Community College (RCC) will have three classrooms located within the TCCI Manufacturing facility for an immersive hands-on learning experience.

The educational institutions and TCCI are developing specialized programs in engineering, computer science, data science, material science, advanced manufacturing, biology, chemistry, and more. These programs will prepare individuals for the fields of climate technology, electric vehicle manufacturing, and related energy and agriculture industries.

As well as creating new products, the transformative centre also provides an educational opportunity to foster in research and workforce development.

The post Education-led electric vehicle innovation hub opens in Illinois appeared first on Digital Journal.

EV chargers are commonplace so many are no longer worried about making it to the next charging point. However, understanding where chargers are is only part of the issue. For those who identify the nearest charger and drive straight there, only to find that the charger’s broken find themselves in trouble.

This is a real issue for EV drivers up and down the U.K.; broken chargers are rife, causing widespread charge anxiety, which has largely replaced range anxiety amongst EV owners. Connectivity specialists Trench Networks have explained to Digital Journal about ‘charge anxiety’ and why it has become a significant issue for EV owners.

What is charge anxiety?

Not to be confused with range anxiety, charge anxiety has been a common experience for early adopters of electric vehicles.

Range anxiety refers to electric vehicle drivers’ fear that they will be unable to reach the nearest charging station on a single charge. As the U.K.’s EV charging infrastructure has expanded, range anxiety has become less of an issue in recent years.

However, charge anxiety – the fear that you’ll be unable to use the nearest charging point due to issues with the charger – remains a very real problem, with many of the U.K.’s EV charging points suffering from software and mechanical issues or internet outage.

A Volkswagen study suggests that charge anxiety has replaced range anxiety altogether – in the form of fears that “current public charging infrastructure is not widespread, accessible or reliable enough to alleviate driver uncertainties.”

Why is charge anxiety an issue?

With electric vehicles forming such a crucial aspect of the British government’s Net Zero push, it’s surprising that broken chargers remain such a common problem. The British government website has identified the importance of maintaining and managing EV infrastructure, citing a minimum of 99 percent reliability across charging points. At present, this figure seems little more than an aspirational goal.

There are a multitude of reasons why EV chargers can fail. There are a large number of charge point operators (CPOs), meaning that variation between chargers is common – with certain brands more likely to fail.

In many cases, however, electric chargers are rendered unusable due to their inability to connect to the internet. Most chargers require internet access to handle credit card, contactless and app payments. If the wireless signal fails and charger is unable to take payment, drivers are unable to charge their car.

There are other activities the CPOs need connectivity for, from carrying out remote diagnostics to estimating demand on the grid.

Who is most likely to be affected by charge anxiety?

Charge anxiety is proving a significant barrier to nationwide adoption because charger functionality is a largely regional issue. Certain cities are more likely to be subject to outages – in Derry, Northern Ireland, where 30 percent of chargers do not work.

Smaller cities tend to be lacking in functioning EV infrastructure – Worcester, Ipswich, Newcastle and York rounded off the top 5 cities with the least working chargers. There doesn’t seem to be much of a north/south divide in terms of available charging, though rural areas are most affected by charging failures due to the lack of available back-ups.

If a charger is broken in central London, you can be sure to find another. If a charger fails in the rural countryside, the driver is unlikely to find another close by, particularly if they have exhausted their range getting to the charger that is down in the first place.

EV drivers have identified the unreliability of the charging infrastructure as a serious issue, though it’s unclear exactly what percentage of EV chargers can be relied upon to function properly. In 2021, Channel 4’s show Dispatches found that more than 1300 of the country’s chargers (5.2 percent) were unusable.

This is significant since it can also act as a barrier to wider electric vehicle adoption. British government have identified a minimum charger reliability rate of 99% for widespread EV adoption.

Solutions?

The first barrier to EV adoption – a lack of charging infrastructure – is beginning to be tackled, thanks to large-scale installations taking place across the country. For example, the numbers of charging points in the country have increased by 35 percent between March 2022 and March 2023.

Kevin Latimer, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder tells Digital Journal: “The majority of a charger’s functionality relies on a durable internet connection, so any downtime causes huge problems. Chargers must be resilient enough to work at all times in order to meet the 99 percent uptime target; implementing a more robust Internet connection is the first step to ensure EV enthusiasts across the country can be confident in making to move the electric vehicle ownership.”

Latimer adds: “If a charging point is supported by a robust and reliable connection, then CPOs can guard against outages, and maximise uptime, which results in increased charger revenue. In this event, the user experience is improved, and the charging operator can ensure the viability of their product for as long as possible.”

The post Charged up? The rise of EV charge anxiety appeared first on Digital Journal.

One of the newest models was on show at the London Transport Museum’s Deport in Action, West London. Digital Journal went along for the ride.

While there is a retro feel to the appearance there is nothing retro about the technology, for behind the facade is “cutting-edge design”.

Rolled out by Transport for London (TfL), the double-decker buses are designed to create a more comfortable experience for passengers, and they provide opportunities to work or relax once on board, with access to mobile phone holders and charging points.

The buses have improved ergonomics, making access easier for those with mobility issues and there are spaces for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There are also new covers for the priority seats, with a contrasting colour scheme to help differentiate them from other seats for passengers who are less able to stand.

The buses are airier and brighter inside, helped by LED lighting and due to skylights and larger windows.

The improved used of light together with the wood-effect floors help to create an open-feel to the buses.

The buses feature comfortable high-back seats, stop buttons on the back of headrests and digital screens displaying the next stop and any delays across London’s transportation network.

One reason for the re-design is to help to drive passenger numbers up, although the primary reason is connected to the environment and the current London Mayor’s worthy drive to reduce air pollution and overall goals for decarbonisation and raising the climate resilience of the city.

The Jewel E has a range of 300 miles, with three battery pack options: 325 kWh, 434 kWh and 543 kWh.

By 2037 at the latest, all 9,200 buses across London will be zero emission. In central London, electric buses currently run on routes:

• 507 – Waterloo station to Victoria bus station
• 521 – Waterloo station to London Bridge station
• 43 – Halliwick Park to London Bridge station
• 134 – North Finchley bus station to Warren Street station

An added benefit is that a journey in an electric bus is smoother and quieter than one with a traditional engine.

The buses have been built by British bus firm Alexander Dennis and are operated by Abellio London (subsidiary of Transport UK Group, it operates services under contract to Transport for London). If this is the transportation future, it’s worth waiting for.

The post Ticket to ride: Trying out London’s new all-electric buses appeared first on Digital Journal.

As 2023 unfolds, how will these disruptors change and in what ways can we anticipate industry leaders to adapt?

According to Stefan Zschiegner, VP of Product Management at Itron, there will be some key innovations with electric vehicles. He sets out the primary changes to Digital Journal.

EVs will be the catalyst of the energy transformation

Zschiegner  explains that while aging infrastructure and increasingly severe natural disasters have been major concerns in the utility space, electric vehicles (EVs) remain the most disruptive element to the energy grid. When you consider the full scope of electrification – cars, fleets, trains, planes, etc. – energy demands are unprecedented and rising daily.

As Zschiegner finds: “Though just 3 million EVs were sold in 2020, the global market is expected to skyrocket to 233.9 million by 2027. On top of that, if every motorist in the U.S. switched to an EV, utilities would have to find a way to generate 25 percent more electricity. Adapting to these surges with resilience will be the biggest challenge for utilities moving forward – we can expect EVs to be a key focus area for government funding in 2023.”

The accelerated adoption of EVs will introduce unique challenges to the grid

While there will be challenges, the expansion will also provide opportunities for new revenue streams in the utility space.

According to Zschiegner: “Many utilities foresee major distribution challenges over the next 5 years. Consumers are catching onto this as well, as a leading concern with EV adoption is the availability and reliability of charging stations. Switching to an EV makes more sense for a California resident with access to charging stations every few miles, compared to a person living in more rural areas. In 2023, utilities will be met with both a challenge and an opportunity to install charging infrastructure that meets current EV adoption rates.”

Zschiegner  adds: “Utilities are reaching an inflection point, with countless opportunities for new revenue streams. Many businesses will begin to view EV charging stations as a way to differentiate themselves from nearby competitors, with hotel chains across the country already making these investments. We will begin to see charging stations replace gas stations – with some California cities banning new gas stations altogether. Capitalizing on these industry changes will require education across the industry, leading to many more planning initiatives, pilots, testing, validating and scaling over the next year.”

The low-voltage network will change everything

The low-voltage network will be at the centre of all business opportunities in the utility space in 2023.

Here Zschiegner observes: “In today’s dynamic energy industry, the low-voltage network plays a critical role through the increased adoption of EVs and distributed energy resources (DERs), including wind, solar and battery storage. What was once a one-dimensional flow of power from generation to customer homes is becoming an interactive, two-way transaction with more unpredictable variables than ever.”

Zschiegner  adds: “In 2023, forward-thinking utility companies will redefine what’s possible with low-voltage network management by leveraging the power of distributed intelligence (DI), continuous insights, analytics and control. Equipped with these actionable insights, utilities will gain real-time visibility of endpoints across the network, ensure grid reliability, lower operating costs, extend the life of vital grid assets, foster the adoption of DERs and EVs, enhance customer engagement and create new revenue streams. Localized improvements to the low-voltage network will be implemented in the next 10 years to drive greater adoption of new DERs and strengthen the two- transaction.”

Real-time data analytics will become a business imperative

Addressing the importance of data, Zschiegner proposes: “Now more than ever, the utility industry needs real-time insights to tackle our biggest challenges. More than 9 out of 10 utility executives (93 percent) view real-time data analytics as very or extremely important. Predicting how much energy load certain areas will require at certain times is generally done using historical data, but all this will need to change to make sense of emerging technologies.”

In terms of other advantages, Zschiegner  cites: “Adopting real-time data tools will allow utility companies to merge demographic and economic data to predict future electrification needs based on a variety of factors. These advanced insights will provide numerous possibilities for improvements and efficiencies, supporting grid resiliency in the face of increasingly severe natural disasters and rising energy demands.  Ultimately, without a flexible, robust infrastructure built on real-time intelligence, the questions utilities will be asking in 2023 will remain largely unanswerable.”

Distributed Intelligence (DI) will equip utilities to engage with customers in new ways

Another development is with taking the integration and adoption of Distributed Energy Resource (DER) programs to new levels.

In relation to this, Zschiegner  finds: “Striking the balance between consumer expectations and utility priorities depends on intelligent, real-time data. Personalized insights are such a priority to consumers that half say they’re willing to pay extra to receive them. This data equips consumers with the tools they need to lower their energy consumption and reduce their bills, while also supporting utilities in reducing operating expenditures and developing new revenue streams. However, nearly one-fifth of utilities provided with at least some analytics technology aren’t currently using it.”

Moreover, Zschiegner  adds: “This presents a unique opportunity for utility providers to invest in real-time analytics in 2023. In engaging with customers through real-time data, utilities will create new revenue streams, improve operational efficiency and accelerate adoption of DER programs.”

The post EVs will be the catalyst of the energy transformation appeared first on Digital Journal.

But challenges remain around their production, affordability and whether enough infrastructure can be put in place to persuade drivers to make the switch.

– China in pole position –

China is a leader in the electrification of cars, with favourable policies helping sales to double in 2022.

But experts have warned they could slow.

“China’s BEV (battery electric vehicle) growth will moderate in 2023, after a meteoric rise in 2022 of more than 100 percent year-on-year,” said Al Bedwell, director of Global Powertrain at LMC Automotive.

“The country’s slowing economy and unavoidable retail price increases will dampen Chinese BEV and plug-in hybrid demand, though much volume will still be added.”

Automakers were hobbled in 2022 by a lack of semiconductors, the computer chips that are key for all types of cars.

But more than 1.1 million electric cars were sold in the European Union last year, up by a quarter to a record 12.1 percent share of the market.

Bedwell said the growth “will accelerate to 50 percent in 2023 as the chip crisis eases”.

In North America, electric cars could represent seven percent of the market this year, with 1.3 million vehicles sold, according to industry analysts LMC Automotive.

The United States is giving its electric car industry a major boost with a $370 billion green energy bill that includes tax cuts for US-made electric cars and batteries.

In total, one in eight cars sold worldwide in 2023 could be electric.

– Tesla dominance –

Elon Musk’s Tesla remains the biggest seller of electric cars globally, shifting 1.3 million units in 2022, driven by its Model Y SUV. It predicts a 37 percent increase this year.

But Chinese firm BYD has it in its sights.

The manufacturer almost tripled sales last year to 900,000 cars, and intends to develop in Europe and North America.

Chinese manufacturers like BYD or rival carmaker NIO are “the most competitive in the world, work harder and smarter”, Musk said himself in January.

Traditional auto giants like Volkswagen and Stellantis group — which owns Peugeot and Jeep — are also stepping up their launches of electric models.

Luxury brands such as Rolls Royce and Ferrari are also planning to launch their first battery-powered models soon.

Even so, Japanese automaker Toyota has continued to defend hybrids, presenting them as more accessible and the only concrete solution for the energy transition.

– Price war –

Electric cars are on average much more expensive than their petrol equivalents, starting from about 35,000 euros ($38,000). This puts them out of reach for many drivers, despite heavy subsidies.

But Tesla announced price cuts of up to 20 percent in Europe and the US in early January, quickly followed by a similar move from Ford.

In Europe, manufacturers could follow a similar route to gain market share, but also in order to comply with increasingly stringent European CO2 emission standards, according to German analyst Matthias Schmidt.

“2022 was a problem of supply, (but) we’re likely to see a complete switch,” he said.

“If (manufacturers) start to panic, we’re likely to see more and more cuts.”

Producers could also react to Chinese manufacturers ramping up production, with plans to produce in Europe at a cheaper price.

– Charging –

Concern about battery life remains one of the main factors that deters drivers from switching to electric vehicles.

Most are limited to a few hundred kilometres and recharging can take anything from 20 minutes to several hours depending on the terminal.

This means the development of a network of fast and accessible terminals for charging is crucial for longer journeys.

The EU will need 3.4 million charging points by 2030, according to a report by consulting firm McKinsey, with updated power grids to cope.

This could cost some 240 billion euros, with companies including Fastned and Ionity ramping up investment in charging stations.

The post Electric car sales gain pace despite hurdles appeared first on Digital Journal.

“That meeting did happen today,” she told reporters.

Musk, who has had sometimes openly prickly relations with President Joe Biden, met infrastructure development coordinator Mitch Landrieu and clean energy advisor John Podesta.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, seen here in California, was at the White House for meetings with senior officials – Copyright AFP INDRANIL MUKHERJEE

They discussed “electrification and how the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act can advance EVs and increase the electrification more broadly,” Jean-Pierre said, referring to two major pieces of legislation passed under Biden providing subsidies and incentives to bolster clean energy, electric vehicles and general infrastructure.

Jean-Pierre said Biden did not meet with Musk, but “it’s important that senior members of his team had a meeting.”

The billionaire entrepreneur occupies an unusual place at the intersection of cutting edge industry and politics with ownership of the country’s most famous EV brand, space projects and Twitter.

He has often tangled with the Biden administration and has used Twitter to embrace right-wing talking points.

On Thursday, he said he met with Republican Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and Democratic minority leader Hakeem Jeffries as Congress explores potential curbs on social media platforms.

Musk tweeted that he went to “discuss ensuring that this platform is fair to both parties.”

The post Elon Musk, White House discuss electric vehicles appeared first on Digital Journal.

Basically, EVs have been talked about plenty, and you’ll see charging stations dotting parking lots from coast to coast. But if you look at your circle of family, friends, and co-workers, you might find yourself asking one thing.

Where are all the EVs IRL? How many people do you know actually drive one?

With the rise in gas prices and widespread desire to come up with sustainable solutions to the climate crisis, it’s surprising that adoption hasn’t managed to scale up. (Let’s not forget a potential cybersecurity issue, either!) According to McKinsey, carbon emissions, design complexity, and battery development are barriers to broader adoption, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

A recent interview with Russell Hensley, co-leader of the McKinsey Center for Future Mobility in the Americas, on The McKinsey podcast helped shed light on the current state of EV adoption.

Here are 4 highlights from the episode:

On barriers to production

It’s quite complex to actually design, develop, and produce electric vehicles at scale when you have a vehicle fleet so dominated by the internal-combustion engine, and all the systems in the world for mobility have been indexed toward the internal-combustion engine.

On why drivers are not steering toward EVs

Adoption has not gone faster because there is a hesitation in pivoting from something that is so trustworthy in the internal-combustion engine to something that is a relatively new technology. And, with vehicles being the second-largest investment that a household makes, it’s obviously a decision that takes much consideration.

On the challenge and opportunity of batteries

The challenge when you put batteries into the automotive application is the magnitude of the battery. It’s a large energy storage device that will go through multiple cycles in its life, and it contains precious metals.

But it means ensuring that the chemistry is stable and ensuring that the battery can go through the multiple cycles of charging and discharging over the life of a vehicle. A typical vehicle will last 16 to 17 years in the US, so it’s a tall order.

On what EVs can do to mitigate sustainability obstacles

One critical step will be to ensure that we can reuse the materials that actually go into vehicles. The amount that you reuse or recycle—be that from the battery, from the vehicle body, from other elements of the vehicle—all needs to be maximized such that we reuse the materials as opposed to looking for new sources in the ground.

Get the full  interview transcript and listen to the complete interview.

Related Reading: The future of EV manufacturing in Canada

DX Journal Staff

DX Journal covers the impact of digital transformation (DX) initiatives worldwide across multiple industries.

The post Electric Vehicles are here, but where is the widespread adoption? appeared first on DX Journal.

The post Electric Vehicles are here, but where is the widespread adoption? appeared first on Digital Journal.

The world is hurtling toward a series of catastrophic climate tipping points, which risk setting off feedback loops that lock the world into irreversible climate change, reports CNN News.

And while this may be bad news for the planet, there may also be some good news, according to a new report unveiled at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The analysis was produced by an international team including Systemiq and the University of Exeter – which shows how parts of the global economy could move rapidly towards zero emissions, with far-reaching effects across 10 of the highest-emitting sectors- known as “The “Breakthrough Effect.“

Three “super-leverage, or tipping points” could trigger a cascade of tipping points for zero-carbon solutions in sectors covering 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to ‘The Breakthrough Effect.”

“With time running out, there is a need for action to be targeted,” said Mark Meldrum, at the consultancy Systemiq, which produced the report with partners including the University of Exeter, UK. Each super-tipping point crossed raises the chance of crossing others, he said. “That could set off a cascade to steer us away from a climate catastrophe.”

A leverage point is where a small intervention can cause a large effect. The “super-leverage points” identified in the report not only cut emissions in one key sector but also support faster changes in other parts of the economy.

Three super-tipping points identified

According to The Guardian, the tipping point for electric vehicles is very close with sales soaring, the report says. Setting dates around the world for the end of sales of fossil-fuel-powered vehicles, such as the 2030 date set for new vehicles by the UK and 2035 in China, drives further growth, the report adds.

This scale-up means the batteries used will become cheaper and these can be deployed as storage for wind and solar power, further accelerating the growth of renewables. More green energy means lower electricity bills, in turn making heat pumps even more cost-effective.

“Electrifying cars means a tipping point for ever cheaper batteries, and cheaper batteries could be a really valuable, cheap source of storage of electricity to enable the transition to renewable power,” Tim Lenton, Chair in Climate Change and Earth System Science at the University of Exeter and a report author, told CNN.

The second super-tipping point is helping alternative proteins to beat animal-based proteins on cost, while at least matching them on taste. Livestock farming produces close to 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Plant-based proteins – things like beans, lentils, peas, and nuts – produce up to 90 percent fewer emissions than meat. 

Public procurement of plant-based meat and dairy replacements by government departments, schools, and hospitals could be a powerful lever, the report says. This policy change could also help shift social norms around plant-based products and increase their appeal, Lenton said.

The third super-tipping point is setting mandates for green fertilizers, to replace current fertilizers, which are produced from fossil gas. Ammonia is a key ingredient and can be made from hydrogen produced by renewable energy, combined with nitrogen from the air.

Ramping up the production of “green fertilizer” could not only slash emissions from the production of agricultural fertilizer but also help kickstart a green hydrogen economy, according to the report.

This would also support long-distance aviation and shipping, as well as steel production, which will rely on hydrogen to end carbon emissions.

“We need to find and trigger positive socioeconomic tipping points if we are to limit the risk from damaging climate tipping points. This non-linear way of thinking about the climate problem gives plausible grounds for hope: the more that gets invested in socioeconomic transformation, the faster it will unfold – getting the world to net zero greenhouse gas emissions sooner,” said Professor Lenton.

The post ‘Super-tipping points’ could trigger a cascade of climate action appeared first on Digital Journal.