Key Considerations for Governments in the Transition to E-Mobility

While global greenhouse gas emissions are on the rise, it’s worth noting that emissions are overwhelmingly concentrated in the Global South. Ten countries together account for a staggering 78% of emissions, while 34 least developed countries, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, contribute just 1% of the region’s total. This surge in greenhouse gas emissions has been driven by high-income countries in the North.

Many developing countries in the Global South are projected to bear the brunt of the effects of climate change, exacerbating the need for ethical intervention from the Global North. Given its long history of CO2 emissions, it is imperative for the Global North to support the Global South, especially the least developed countries, in mitigating CO2 emissions.

Six key issues and related questions arise for national governments to consider as they consider whether the EV model is ready for immediate implementation or whether a phased approach tailored to national needs is required.

Click to expand. E-Mobility considerations. PEM Motion (2024)

Electricity supply

The carbon intensity and reliability of electricity supply varies across the Global South. The benefits of electromobility include zero emissions, lower fuel consumption per kilometer travelled, lower maintenance costs, and job creation. However, weak and unreliable electricity grids pose significant barriers to the adoption of electric vehicles in the least developed countries. Nevertheless, the growing demand for electricity from electric vehicles can spur grid developers to expand infrastructure, paving the way for the replacement of carbon-intensive and unreliable power systems with low-carbon and reliable alternatives, thereby increasing electricity availability.

Questions for national governments to consider

• What impact does the carbon intensity of the grid have on a country’s ability to reduce emissions through a transition to electric mobility?
• What data is needed to ensure an efficient and effective charging infrastructure?

Wind farm. Unsplash (2016)

Economic

New business models and appropriate fiscal policies are needed to encourage the right mobility choices and incentizse consumers to switch to electric vehicles (EVs). Most countries in sub-Saharan Africa subsidize fossil fuels to protect consumers from high costs. These subsidies could be used more equitably elsewhere, and appropriate fiscal policies need to be developed to support the transition to electric mobility.

Questions for national governments to consider

• How can electric vehicles be made more accessible to vehicle operators and users?
• What incentives or disincentives are needed to encourage the uptake of EVs?

Funding

To address the significant investment and financing gap in the Global South, targeted funding is needed to stimulate public and private investment and ensure a smooth transition to electric mobility.

Questions for national governments to consider

• What financial mechanisms are best suited to support the transition to electric mobility?
• How can the Global South avoid further financial dependency on the Global North during the EV transition?

Social

The success of any decarbonization strategy depends on gender equality and social inclusion. Community engagement is crucial to take into account consumer attitudes in the Global South when formulating electric mobility policies.

Questions for national governments to consider

• What urban planning policies are needed to facilitate the transition to electric mobility?
• What local skills are available and what investment is needed to address any skills gaps?

Two people riding e-bikes. Unsplash (2015)

Governance

The variability in emissions regulation and enforcement across the Global South underscores the importance of strengthening the capacity of national environmental management agencies and relevant ministries.

Questions for national governments

• How can the used car market be effectively regulated?
• How can countries learn to develop national standards?

Materials

The shift to electrification will require materials for electric vehicles, batteries, chargers, infrastructure, material extraction, vehicle manufacturing, factories, and additional power generation and distribution infrastructure.

Questions for national governments to consider:

• How should the development and design of EVs be adapted to the needs of the Global South for sustainable materials use?
• What measures will facilitate domestic manufacturing and recycling for electromobility in the Global South?

Conclusion

In the coming years, countries in the Global South will need to make policy decisions and investments to decarbonize passenger transport. At the same time, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the Global North, together with financial mechanisms, regulations, materials and the used car market, will influence decisions and transport patterns in the Global South.

Most countries in the Global South, including the least developed countries, should strive to improve the accessibility, affordability, inclusiveness, safety and security of different mobility options. A future electric mobility strategy should ensure an equitable distribution of the benefits of electric vehicles without placing undue burdens on any particular segment of the population.