Decarbonizing the Transportation Sector with E-mobility

E-mobility (and micro-mobility) refers to zero-emission electric transit options (electric cars, electric three-wheelers, e-bikes and other electric two-wheelers, as well as electric mass public transit modes). It's no secret that transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.

In fact, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, transportation accounts for 29% of US greenhouse gas emissions, the most from any sector. The good news is that there are a number of trends that are helping to decarbonize the transportation sector. One of the most promising is the rise of electric vehicles and other e-mobility (and micro-mobility) options.

Here, we take a look at what e-mobility actually means, and why, along with cycling, it can help us move towards decarbonizing transport and thus reducing our carbon footprint.

What is e-mobility?

E-mobility is a term that describes the use of electric devices and systems to power vehicles (i.e. batteries, usually charged with power from the grid). E-mobility includes electric cars, electric three-wheelers, e-bikes, e-mopeds, and electric scooters, as well as electric buses, trams, and trains. These trends in mobility are helping to decarbonize transportation, and they're only going to rapidly increase.

The benefits of e-mobility include reduced emissions, lower running costs, and improved energy efficiency. E-mobility is a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. As the world looks for ways to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, e-mobility is expected to play an increasingly important role in the transportation sector.

What’s so good about e-mobility?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are much more energy-efficient than conventional internal combustion vehicles, so you can feel good about reducing your carbon footprint, as they use less energy. 100%-EVs are the more environmentally friendly choice as they themselves produce zero emissions (depending on the power source that powers the grid where the EV is charged, the EV can be entirely zero-emission if the grid is powered by renewable energy).

EVs are also much cheaper to operate since you'll only need to charge the battery rather than buy gas or oil. 

For more on electric vehicles, please see:

Benefits of Plug-in Hybrids and Electric Vehicles

In addition to electric vehicles, electric bikes have become an emerging popular trend in e-mobility.  Cycling is an efficient and low-emission way to travel, and it's becoming more popular all over the world, as both a hobby and a way to get to work in a speedy and eco-friendly way.

However, many people are now seeking out even better alternatives to allow them to get around without having to use quite as much effort. As a result, electric bike options are also becoming more popular. Cyclists and businesses are investing in e-bikes and also in quality storage solutions to keep these valuable methods of transportation safe.

How can you get the most out of your e-options?

To improve the eco-credentials of your e-bike or electric vehicle, make sure to get yourself on a renewable energy tariff, or generate your own renewable energy. This way, you can be assured that you’re reducing the overall carbon footprint of your transport even further.

To sum up

Electric vehicles, electric bikes, and other e-mobility methods are important trends to watch as we work towards decarbonizing transport. They offer a number of benefits for individuals, cities, and the environment. We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of these two modes of transportation and their role in our sustainable future.