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https://theconversation.com/cars-in-australian-cities-are-emitting-less-but-in-the-regions-exhaust-emissions-are-growing-241017>
"Within five years, transport is expected to be Australia’s top source of
greenhouse gas emissions. While renewables and storage are bringing down
emissions from the electricity sector, emissions from transport are still
growing. Our fleet of cars, trucks, diesel trains, planes and ships now emit
almost 20% more than they did two decades ago.
In car-dependent Australia, switching to electric vehicles will be necessary.
This is beginning to happen. Despite recent drops in battery-electric vehicle
sales, the hybrid market is growing strongly.
But when we drilled down into the transport sector in our research, we found
clear differences on emissions between our major cities and some regional
areas. Broadly, city drivers are emitting less, while regions are emitting
more.
Why? There are a number of reasons. City drivers are more likely to take up
lower-emitting plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles with zero
emissions. Rural and regional drivers drive many more kilometres than city
drivers, and the electric charger network is scattered. Affordability is also a
key consideration. It’s also only recently that the average range of electric
cars and vehicles tipped over 400 kilometres per charge.
From January 1, the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard will come into force. One
effect will be the arrival of more electric vehicle models and lowering
ownership costs. But by itself, this won’t be enough to bridge the
city-country gap.
We will need policies targeted at making electric vehicles viable in the
regions. Without this, we risk failing to meet Australia’s emission cut targets
of 43% by 2035 and net zero by 2050."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
