In 2025, theEuropean Union to save 20 million tons of C02 thanks to the diffusion of electric vehicles. This is one of the main findings emerged from the report “State of European Transport” by Transport & Environment (T&E), the independent organization that monitors the decarbonization of the transport sector. But, if car emissions are decreasing, the continuous increase in air traffic risks undermining the progress made. According to T&E, it is it is essential that the EU does not slow down ecological transition policies, which are also necessary to guarantee the continent's energy independence.
The contribution of electric mobility
In 2024, the transport sector in Europe has released 1,05 billion tons of CO2, marking a 5% decrease compared to 2019 (1,1 billion tonnes). This result was supported by the increase in the number of battery electric vehicles on European roads, which will reach 9 million by the end of the year. reduction of emissions of CO2 attributable to these vehicles is equivalent to 20 million tons, equal to that produced in a year by seven coal-fired power plants.
T&E appeal: “EU must not give up on green policies”
William Todt, executive director of T&E, reiterated the importance of continuing with climate policies: “The strategies adopted are finally showing their effects. Thanks to electric vehicles, emissions from the transport sector are experiencing a structural decline. However, we continue to import hundreds of billions of euros in hydrocarbons, strengthening competing economies. This this is not the time to slow down, but to accelerate the ecological transition to ensure prosperity and security for Europe”.
The importance and costs of raw materials
While on the one hand electric vehicles reduce dependence on oil, on the other Europe still remains tied to imports of materials essential for battery production. Currently, 100% of the lithium, 75% of the nickel and 58% of the aluminum used comes from abroad. Unlike fossil fuels, however, These metals can be recycled. According to T&E, by 2030 an electric car battery will consume around 20 litres of critical materials over its life cycle, compared to the 12.400 litres of fossil fuel used by a traditional car. By 2024, the oil imports will cost Europe around 250 billion euros.
Air and maritime transport: emissions on the rise
Despite the improvement in the automotive sector, the air and sea transport continue to pose a challenge. In 2024, the cairlines European countries emitted 143 million tonnes of CO2, recording a increase of 10% compared to 2023. Also the maritime sector has maintained high emissions, with 195 million tons of CO2. Both sectors are still heavily dependent on fossil fuels, which benefit from a preferential tax regime.
The entry of maritime transport into the ETS system (Emission Trading System) has allowed to generate 5 billion euros in 2024, a figure expected to grow up to 30 billion euros per year by 2030. These funds, according to T&E, should be used to encourage the use of sustainable fuels, bridging the price gap with traditional fossil fuels.
