Abstract

A major challenge for humankind is to reduce global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions to avoid the most harmful impacts of climate change. The transport sector is responsible for almost 1/4 of the world’s energy-related emissions, with road transportation representing around 1/5 of the fuel consumption. Electric vehicles (EVs) may help to reduce CO₂ emissions, but their diffusion is uncertain due to market barriers. This paper investigates the electric vehicle (EV), which has a smaller ecological footprint, as an alternative capable of meeting the needs of personal transport in Brazil. To carry out this evaluation, the study considers socio-techno-economic and political-environmental-innovation aspects to assess the challenges and opportunities facing the adoption of electric vehicles. The analysis was carried out based on a survey administered to a wide range of stakeholders. A SWOT analysis was performed to understand the most critical factors affecting the future of EVs in Brazil, which is a top-ten automotive manufacturer worldwide and a leader in sugar cane ethanol production. The results suggest light-duty electric vehicles (LDEV) as a first option for low-carbon passengers’ mobility and that EVs expansion will require market regulation, incentive policies and adequate charging infrastructure. Both consumers and society in general will benefit most from the expansion of EVs due to low emissions and total cost of ownership (TCO). The results show where decision-makers should focus their attention.

摘要

人类面临的一个主要挑战是减少全球二氧化碳 (CO ₂ ) 排放，以避免气候变化带来的最有害影响。运输部门占世界能源相关排放的近 1/4，公路运输约占燃料消耗的 1/5。电动汽车 (EV) 可能有助于减少 CO ₂排放，但由于市场壁垒，它们的扩散是不确定的。本文研究了生态足迹较小的电动汽车 (EV) 作为能够满足巴西个人交通需求的替代品。为了进行这项评估，该研究考虑了社会-技术-经济和政治-环境-创新方面，以评估采用电动汽车所面临的挑战和机遇。该分析是根据对范围广泛的利益相关者进行的调查进行的。进行了 SWOT 分析以了解影响巴西电动汽车未来的最关键因素，巴西是全球十大汽车制造商和甘蔗乙醇生产的领导者。结果表明，轻型电动汽车 (LDEV) 是低碳乘客出行的首选，电动汽车的扩张需要市场监管、激励政策和充足的充电基础设施。由于低排放和总拥有成本 (TCO)，消费者和整个社会都将从电动汽车的扩张中受益最大。结果表明决策者应该将注意力集中在哪里。