Arcadis, a leading global design and consultancy organization for natural and built assets, published at COP26 Transport Day a new research report called “Global Electric Vehicle Catalyst Index 2021: Accelerating electric vehicle (EV) program adoption and implementation”. The report measures progress in 12 countries and the U.S. states of California and New York against three catalysts to examine what countries are doing well and where they could improve on their EV adoption.
The three catalysts include:
- Government leadership and incentives - Policy changes and stricter environmental regulations are some of the strongest catalysts for global EV adoption. Of the countries measured, the UK and China are strongest in this area.
- EV market maturity and readiness - A mature market is characterized by vehicle affordability, availability of fit-for-purpose vehicles and ramped-up production capabilities.
- EV charging infrastructure - Suitable EV charging infrastructure means reliable charging abilities across the journey (departure point, during and at the destination). Italy and China are strongest in this catalyst.
Implementing EVs can be a key instrument for achieving Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, improving air quality and meeting net-zero goals. The three catalysts will influence where EV adoption takes off. However, if an organization is waiting on government policies to guide and incentivize EV programs – it might already be falling behind, according to the report. Actively planning for EVs now will prepare organizations for the forthcoming regulations and incentives.
Peter Oosterveer, CEO at Arcadis said: “Accelerating the transition to electric vehicles – along with investing in clean energy and battery technology – is crucial to cutting emissions and limiting global warming to 1.5°C. This report shows that with clear leadership from the top and the right policy levers in place, electric vehicles can play a notable role in tackling the climate crisis and improving quality of life for all communities across the world.”
Simon Swan, Future Mobility Senior Director at Arcadis said: “EV charging infrastructure has been largely market-led, and the number of public chargers is increasing across the world at varying rates. Even when incentives for EVs are in place, inadequate charging can be a barrier to adoption. The transition to EV cannot happen without it, and it must be designed equitably. Everyone, including those living and working in rural or semi-rural locations, in disadvantaged communities, or with disabilities, will need reliable access to charging infrastructure. Altogether, these catalysts help spur the widespread adoption of EV. A global EV transition will be integral to the sustainable, decarbonized future that society is shifting towards.”
About the report
The purpose of the Global Electric Vehicle Catalyst Index is to promote collaboration between countries and organizations exploring the EV landscape. The report is a snapshot in time; countries will increase their scores as they adopt new government EV incentives, increase the EV charging infrastructure or as the EV market matures. Sharing insights and combining strengths across public and private sectors will accelerate EVs’ impact on air pollution and CO2 emissions globally.
The countries and U.S. states Arcadis measured include the Netherlands, UK, Ireland, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, New York, California, Canada, Australia, Singapore, China and Thailand.
To download the report and learn more about EV achievements and opportunities around the globe, click here.
