This IRENA policy talk explored findings from from IRENA’s report Policies for advancing the renewables-based electrification of road transport. Experts examined effective policy measures, financing strategies, and innovative solutions to overcome barriers, accelerate EV deployment, and integrate renewable electricity, providing practical guidance for policymakers, utilities, and stakeholders aiming to advance electrification across diverse transport contexts globally.
According to IRENA’s 1.5°C Scenario, more than 90% of vehicle stocks and 80% of activity in road transport would need to be electric by 2050. However, the global deployment of EVs and chargers remains significantly below the required level. Policies are needed to address existing barriers and accelerate the electrification process. Some widely adopted policies and measures include fuel efficiency standards, financial and fiscal incentives for the procurement of EVs and the installation of chargers, municipal-level incentives, as well as other measures to reduce the need for driving and shift to public transit and other low-carbon options.
The electrification of road transport must be paired with renewable electricity and aligned with the global pledge to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. Smart charging solutions can power EVs with renewable electricity and provide multiple services to the power system, including enabling a higher share of renewable electricity. But their development remains limited. Policymakers and utilities will need to adopt additional measures and improve power market regulations to create a favourable market environment for smart charging and incentivise participation.
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