Accelerating Clean Transportation in Europe

For the first time in more than a century, we are witnessing a technology transformation that will change the way people and goods are moved around the world. Governments in China, India, France, and Britain have signaled a rapid transition toward electric vehicles, and the cost of electric vehicle batteries has fallen 80% in less than 10 years. Europe has been at the forefront of electric vehicle adoption, and Sea Change has supported smart EU policies that are helping to accelerate the transition to clean vehicles in Europe.

Sea Change grantees in Europe have supported the EU Green Deal, which sets a trajectory for transportation emissions to reach zero by 2050. Our network of partners delivers technical and economic expertise, as well as advocacy, to support policies that can promote a clear shift toward mainstream production of electric vehicles. Collaboration is key to success, so this work is done in close consultation with industry, civil society, trade unions, consumer associations, and health advocates.

Supportive policy has already had a positive impact in the transition to cleaner transportation. Nine national governments have set goals of reaching 100% zero emission vehicles by 2040 or earlier. A combination of incentives and guidelines launched Norway into the position of having the highest per capita number of all-electric cars in the world, with electric vehicles reaching 60% of new car registrations. Similar combinations of price incentives, congestion pricing, and charging station support are accelerating electric vehicle adoption in France, the Netherlands, and the UK. Major European vehicle manufacturers have announced billions in investments to shift their manufacturing toward electric vehicles in the coming decade.

Sea Change grantees will continue to work to solve challenges accompanying vehicle electrification, including speeding up deployment of electric cars, buses and trucks, accelerating investments in charging infrastructure and integration with the electricity grid, and maintaining momentum for strong transportation policies that are shown to benefit consumers, the economy and the environment.