EVs and the energy sector – the impact on future emissions in the EU

Summary

EVs charged with renewable energy sources play an important role in the EU's plans to:

1. Make the transition to a low-carbon transport system

1. Achieve the target of an 80-95% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050

The growth in the use of EVs will result in a slight increase in energy demand in the EU: Europe's total electricity consumption will increase from 0.3% (in 2020) to 5% in 2030 and possibly 9.5% in 2050. ^{* Exhibit 1}

Energy demand for EVs in the EU

Exhibit 1

^*Assuming an 80% EV share in 2050.

• Energy demand of EVs as a percentage of the total energy demand in Europe in 2020: 0.3%
• Energy demand of EVs as a percentage of the total energy demand in Europe in 2030: 5%

→ This represents an increase of 4.7% in the energy demand of EVs (N.B. compared to the total energy demand).

If we look at the absolute figures in billion kWh:

• Energy demand of EVs in Europe in 2020: 4 billion kWh

• Energy demand of EVs in Europe in 2030: 79 billion kWh

→ This represents an increase of 75 billion kWh (not relative to the total energy demand, but in absolute figures)

An increase in the use of EVs will also result in:

1. Lower CO₂ and air-polluting emissions from road transport itself
2. A very slight increase in emissions from electricity production
3. A general net benefit in terms of lower emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and the air-polluting nitrogen oxides (No_x) and particulate matter (PM)
4. A general slight increase in SO₂ due to emissions from electricity production
5. In relative terms, the slight increase in emissions due to the extra electricity production is significantly lower than the decrease in emissions due to the growing use of EVs.De nood aan duurzaam wegvervoer

The need for sustainable road transport

Despite the technological improvements made in the past, the transport sector still contributes around ¼ of Europe's GHG emissions and thus unfortunately exacerbates climate change. Emissions from road transport also contribute to high concentrations of air pollutants in many European cities. These cities often fail to meet the air quality standards set by the EU and WHO.

The renewable energy sources that are needed to supply EVs with electricity can contribute to a significant reduction in carbon in the transport sector and a more efficient use of resources.

Conclusion

The transition to a future with lower emissions will be possible through the use of renewable energy sources and increased use of EVs. Such a transition will have consequences, however, and a better charging infrastructure is therefore required in Europe.

MobilityPlus offers charging solutions for various target groups and is building on a network to optimise the charging infrastructure in Belgium.
The additional demand for electricity caused by a higher proportion of EVs in the EU will bring additional concerns. For example, how will we cope with charging peaks?
MobilityPlus will use the energy controller for this: ‘smart charging’ with the energy controller will allow us to spread the charging moments and therefore prevent charging peaks.

^{Bronnen: McKinsey&Company - Europees Milieuagentschap: ‘EV’s en de energie sector’ - MobilityPlus}