The EV (electric vehicle) industry is growing rapidly across borders, and it is refreshing to see the efforts made to expand electric vehicles beyond the obvious, yet important, application of cars. Reaching Net Zero requires a rapid reduction in emissions of CO2 globally; switching all vehicles to electric offers a huge opportunity to provide the gear change we need for our environment. Knowledge is best when it is shared… in this article, we look at our favourite implementations of EV technology in 5 countries within Europe.
1.
In Norway, the Basto Electric has gone into service. It is the world’s largest fully electric ferry of its kind, and it is operating a route across the Oslo Fjord, one of Norway’s busiest ferry routes. The development of this vehicle and further electrification of the Basto Fosen ferry fleet saw a projected reduction of emissions on this route of 75% for 2022.
2.
In the Netherlands, electric rubbish collection trucks are becoming a reality. To lessen the effect of emissions and noise pollution caused by waste management, the company Renewi is investing in a number of electric rubbish trucks running routes in Amsterdam. The trucks make a noticeable difference compared to their ICE (internal combustion engine) using counterparts, and they help to demonstrate that there are a wide range of uses for EVs in urban services.
3.
French postal service provider La Poste, already maintains an impressive electric fleet, however they have set out to expand further by trialling the use of solar PV canopies and an energy storage system on several of their electric vehicles operating on a route from Magny-les-Hameaux. The now partially self-powered site is already demonstrating a significantly reduced dependency on the French electrical grid. Effective power generated on site provides up to 80% of the power needed to run the vehicles during the summer.
4.
Sweden, a nation whose economy is significantly dependent on the forestry sector, is exploring the possibility of electric logging trucks. The T-log, designed by Swedish electric truck company Einride, is an autonomous, electric logging vehicle that is being tested for use in the rugged setting of forestry operations. The existence of the T-log demonstrates how EVs may transform even the most difficult and demanding sectors.
5.
In the UK, The London Ambulance Service is in the process of further electrifying its fleet. The intent being to ensure that emergency medical assistance is available with haste, while minimizing emissions created. The service has introduced a score of Mustang Mach-E cars, to build up an electric fleet of FRUs (fast response units). The service is also working on investment in charging infrastructure across ambulance stations to help keep this modernized fleet running. They are also the first service in the country to introduce electric motorbikes to their fleet. The varied electric vehicles being adopted by groups like the London Ambulance service help to show how much potential EVs have; playing important roles in critical services like healthcare.
These real-world examples of EV adoption, from Norway’s electric ferries to France’s solar-powered postal vehicles, demonstrate that EVs are far more than just a simple green alternative to personal transportation. They are a potential medium for green transformation across a myriad of different industries and areas, with the potential to bring about innumerable positive environmental changes.
Author: Connor Clarke, Marketing Associate, econetiQ
Connor is a green-conscious content writer based in Bristol. As an advocate for clean energy solutions, Connor is dedicated to inspiring and educating people to involve themselves in the EV industry.