Electric mobility concepts and their significance for the economy, society and the environment

Recent TAB Report analyses the ecological, economic and social aspects of electromobility, discusses funding strategies and shows options for action
electric car Fotolia

Electromobility is associated with many hopes of sustainable development in the transport sector. A reduction in the consumption of fossil fuels in the context of climate policy goals as well as the reduction of local pollutant and noise emissions are driving the development and spread of electromobility worldwide. Accordingly, the TAB report analyses the ecological, economic and social aspects of electromobility for Germany.

From an ecological perspective, the focus is on the potential contribution of electromobility to reducing climate-relevant emissions, energy consumption and air pollution. The analyses show that a significantly more positive greenhouse gas balance can be achieved with electromobility if low-CO2 or CO2-free energy sources, e.g. renewable energies, are used. In terms of the environmental impact of pollutant emissions in Germany, the balance of electric vehicles is also more favourable than that of conventional passenger cars.

The economic considerations focus on economic efficiency, the implications for the automotive value chain and jobs, and the supply of critical raw materials. One important result is that a future spread of electromobility in Germany can be expected to have slightly positive macroeconomic effects on employment and GDP.

With regard to social implications, the topics of acceptance, user behaviour, traffic noise and accidents are addressed. It is shown that the reduction of acquisition costs, a larger selection of models with common quality and comfort standards, a range of attractive mobility and business models, test opportunities and, last but not least, a transparent positive environmental balance are important prerequisites for the spread of electromobility.

Based on these analyses, the critical aspects and potentials of electromobility as well as strategies and measures for its promotion are discussed. Finally, policy-relevant conclusions are drawn and options for action are outlined.

The innovation report and an English summary are available for download.

05.06.2013 

Downloads:

Weitere Informationen: