Transport sector contributes to a quarter of the greenhouse gas emissions in the world (UN, 2024). The move towards sustainable mobility has been majorly presented as just only the consumption of clean energy but, it is more than just consumption, the manner in which energy used is generated also plays a role in ensuring the mobility sector is sustainable.
Use of renewable energy is slowly taking track in powering the electric mobility. In the wake of climate change and increased air pollution, integrating renewable energy sources like solar power into the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem is proving to be a more sustainable strategy. There are great benefits associated with using solar energy within the e-mobility sector. These may include;
Improving Energy Independence
Local power productions through solar allows individual and entities reduce their reliance on grid power. Through this EV owners significantly reduce their dependence on the frequent fluctuating grid-supplied power and other fossil fuel imports. Local energy models not only support achievement of SDGs but also helps mitigate risks of fluctuating fuel prices and power supply (IEA, 2020).
Environmental conservation
E-Mobility on it its self is a move towards sustainable transportation, but the integration of solar energy in powering electric mobility is a game changer, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing environmental impact associated with unsustainable energy production. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems generate energy by converting sunlight energy into clean and renewable energy for charging EVs. Compared with Internal Combustion Engines, the CO2 emissions associated from an EV over its life cycle are always lower, indicating a huge stride towards carbon footprint reduction (Nasca, 2021).
Smart Grids Integration.
Smart grid solutions that integrate solar energy with electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure improve grid stability and efficiency for service providers and EV users. Smart grids users have the chance to track and improve energy flow in real time. Dynamic modifications have been made in response to varying solar generation and the charging requirements of electric vehicles. EVs can also function as mobile energy storage units thanks to smart grids' support for double-directional charging, which helps maintain grid stability during times of heavy energy demand (Lund & Kempton, 2015).
Enhancing Economic Viability
The incentivization of solar-power infrastructure and favorable policy incentives are essential for scaling up renewable energy integration in transportation, this coupled with innovative business models have allowed for the fast growth of solar energy use in the e-mobility sector. According to market analyses by IRENA (2022) the levelized cost of solar electricity is slowly decreasing, making solar-powered EV charging increasingly competitive with other conventional energy sources. Additionally, the economic benefits of reduced air pollution and costs of healthcare linked to cleaner transportations enhances the societal and economic value of solar powered e-mobility (WHO, 2018).
Overcoming Challenges
The widespread adoption in electric mobility sector faces challenges such as intermittency and grid integration complexities. With advances in energy storage technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems, users have been able to maximize the utilization of solar-generated electricity for Electric mobility and charging (NREL, 2023).
Conclusion
Solar energy continues to play a vital role in powering electric mobility, and steering the move towards sustainable transport. Adoption of solar has continued to ensure this sector’s carbon footprint is significantly reduced. Utilizing the power of the sun in powering electric mobility is very key for greener and cleaner transport ecosystem for both the current and future generations.
References:
- Unordered listFranzò, S., & Nasca, A. (2021). The environmental impact of electric vehicles: A novel life cycle-based evaluation framework and its applications to multi-country scenarios. Journal of Cleaner Production, 315, 128005.
- Unordered listInternational Energy Agency (IEA). (2021). Global EV Outlook 2021.
- Unordered listInternational Energy Agency (IEA). (2020). Renewables 2020: Analysis and forecast to 2025.
- Unordered listInternational Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2022). Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2022.
- Unordered listLund, H., & Kempton, W. (2015). Integration of renewable energy into the transport and electricity sectors through V2G. Energy Policy, 86, 682-693.
- Unordered listNational Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). (2023). Energy Storage Systems.
- Unordered listWorld Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Air pollution and health.