ELECTRIC VECHICLES

By prioritizing electric vehicles (EVs), public transit electrification, and supportive infrastructure, societies combat climate change, reduce pollution, and create sustainable, resilient transportation systems.

Transportation accounts for nearly a quarter of global carbon emissions, with road vehicles being the primary culprits. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), transitioning to electric mobility is essential to meet climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. Yet, despite the clear environmental benefits, many countries are still idling at the starting line, hindered by outdated infrastructure, fossil fuel lobbying, and the inertia of “but we’ve always done it this way.”

EVs are more efficient than their gasoline counterparts. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that EVs convert over 77% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels, compared to just 12–30% for conventional gasoline vehicles. That’s not a small difference—it’s the automotive equivalent of discovering that one type of lightbulb uses a fraction of the energy to produce the same illumination. Would you choose the inefficient one out of habit? Maybe, if you’re fond of burning money and the planet simultaneously.

Norway offers a powerful case study. With over 80% of new car sales being electric as of 2022, Norway has demonstrated that ambitious policies work. Tax incentives, free public charging, access to bus lanes, and exemptions from tolls have created an EV paradise. The result? A drastic reduction in transport-related emissions, cleaner urban environments, and a thriving EV market. China leads the world in electric bus adoption. Shenzhen has electrified its entire public bus fleet—over 16,000 buses. This isn’t a boutique project; it’s mass-scale transformation. The benefits? Lower operating costs, reduced air pollution, and quieter, more efficient urban transport.

The economic argument for electric transportation is robust. While EVs can have higher upfront costs, lower fuel and maintenance expenses make them cheaper over time. EVs have fewer moving parts—no oil changes, no exhaust systems, no timing belts to snap at the worst possible moment. A 2020 analysis by Consumer Reports found that EV owners save up to $6,000–$10,000 over the lifetime of the vehicle compared to gasoline cars.

Infrastructure, of course, is key. Range anxiety—the fear of running out of battery without a charging station in sight—is the EV equivalent of “low fuel” panic, but more existential. Expanding charging networks is critical. The Netherlands, for example, has one of the densest EV charging infrastructures globally, making it easy to find a charger.

But this transition isn’t just about personal cars. Electrifying public transportation—buses, trains, ferries—delivers massive environmental and social benefits. Electric buses are quieter, cleaner, and cheaper to operate. In Santiago, Chile, the introduction of electric buses has improved air quality and provided a more comfortable ride, all while reducing operating costs for the transit authority.

Battery technology is often a sticking point in EV debates. Concerns about mining practices for lithium, cobalt, and other materials are valid. However, technological advancements are reducing dependency on rare materials, improving recycling processes, and increasing battery efficiency. Companies like Redwood Materials are pioneering battery recycling, aiming to create a circular supply chain that minimizes environmental impact. Battery technology is accelerating. Solid-state batteries promise higher energy density, faster charging, and longer lifespan. Research into alternative materials, such as sodium-ion batteries, could further reduce environmental impacts and reliance on critical minerals.

Energy storage and grid integration are part of the bigger picture. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology allows EVs to feed electricity back into the grid, turning parked cars into distributed energy resources. This can stabilize grids, support renewable energy integration, and even provide income for EV owners. Japan has piloted V2G programs to great effect, enhancing grid resilience during natural disasters.

The shift to electric transportation will create jobs in manufacturing, infrastructure development, software, and energy sectors. However, it also requires a just transition for workers in traditional automotive and fossil fuel industries. Retraining programs, investment in green jobs, and strong labor protections are essential to ensure that the transition is inclusive.

Policy plays a pivotal role. Strong emissions standards, fuel economy regulations, and zero-emission vehicle mandates drive innovation and adoption. The European Union’s Fit for 55 package sets ambitious targets for reducing emissions, including phasing out new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035.

Local governments can lead the charge. Cities like Amsterdam plan to ban fossil fuel cars from city centers by 2030. Urban planning that prioritizes electric public transit, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly spaces reduces car dependency altogether.

International cooperation is key. The C40 Cities network shares knowledge among global cities committed to climate leadership, including strategies for electrifying transportation. Collaborative efforts on technology standards, supply chains, and best practices amplify the impact of local initiatives.

While charging infrastructure may be sparser, EVs’ lower maintenance requirements and ability to charge at home make them practical for rural residents. Electric agricultural equipment, trucks, and off-road vehicles are also becoming available.

Resilience is another overlooked benefit. EVs can operate during fuel shortages, price spikes, or supply chain disruptions. In disaster-prone areas, EVs paired with renewable energy and storage systems enhance energy security and community resilience.

Transitioning to electric vehicles is an opportunity to reimagine how we move through the world—cleaner, quieter, and more sustainably. The road ahead is electric, and the future is already here.

Therefore, under Folklaw:

Electric vehicles shall be prioritized through comprehensive policies promoting electric vehicles, public transit electrification, and supportive infrastructure. Governments will invest in charging networks, incentivize EV adoption, and phase out internal combustion engines. Public transit systems will transition to electric fleets, with equitable access to clean mobility for all communities.

Research and development in battery technology, recycling, and sustainable materials will be supported. Workforce transition programs will ensure inclusive economic opportunities.

International collaboration will advance standards and best practices, while public education promote awareness of EV benefits.