Global vehicle numbers surpass one billion and hit new critical levels
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That number is expected to hit the two-billion mark within 15 years. In January last year, more cars were sold in China than in the U.S.
Work continues to progresses on developing cleaner vehicles and fuels, but how do we change driving behavior and lower vehicle miles and emissions?
There are many ways to tackle vehicle emissions and reduce transportation generated green house gases. The areas that are currently attracting significant investment and therefore making the most progress are Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) and alternative fuels. However more needs to be done to tackle vehicle miles travelled (VMT).
Vehicles
Most solutions focus on electric drive vehicles. This is particularly relevant to short range task focused driving. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are also being developed
Fuels
a key is the adoption of low carbon fuels standards and encouraging consumer use of Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs).
VMT – Vehicles Miles Travelled: In the past 10 years in the U.S. & Europe VMT per capita has been going up but is starting to flatten out.
Perhaps the biggest challenge is reducing VMT. So, how do we change driver behavior and get people to drive less?
Some of the mechanisms include:
- Greenhouse Gas (GHG) and carbon targets for cities, businesses and developers
- City-centre congestion charging
- Increased taxation on petrol and diesel
- Reward low-carbon consumerism
- Car pooling & sharing schemes
- Restructure taxes, fees, and other incentives to reduce vehicle usage
What is clear is that all three aspects of the problem – vehicles, fuel and VMT – are going to have to shift to make a difference.
