Global drive toward net-zero emissions and sustainability via electric vehicles: an integrative critical review

Abstract

The urgent need for a net-zero future necessitates a fundamental shift in the energy sector, with road transportation responsible for a substantial 37% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions in 2021, emerging as a pivotal focal point in the battle against climate change. Energy consumption in the road sector is expected to surge by 1.26% with a 1% growth in urbanization, concentrated mainly in Asia and Africa by the mid-2030s. Therefore, addressing emissions from the transportation industry is paramount. Electric vehicles (EVs), coupled with a transition to renewable energy, offer a sustainable solution, yet their market share remains at a modest 10% globally and in Asia. With numerous nations committed to achieving net-zero emissions, EV adoption is on the rise, particularly in developing regions with high urbanization and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Governments worldwide have initiated policies that provide incentives to promote EVs, but challenges like patent declines and EV battery disposal concerns persist. In this paper, we make an integrative critical review of the existing literature, conduct a SWOT analysis of EVs, and address crucial factors influencing their adoption, thereby contributing to the goal of a more sustainable future in road transportation.

Keywords

EV adoption / EV battery disposal / SWOT analysis / Net-zero future / Road transportation / CO₂ emissions / Economics / Applied Economics

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Funding

Asian Development Bank Institute(NA)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

The Author(s)