Tag Archives: electric vehicles

New Study Reveals Political and Global Drivers Behind EV Transition in Brazil and Mexico

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in Brazil and Mexico has been shaped as much by domestic politics and global economic pressures as by environmental concerns, according to a new study by Renato H. de Gaspi of Johns Hopkins University and Pedro Perfeito da Silva of the University of Exeter. The researchers argue that decisions in both countries have been influenced by factors extending beyond emissions reduction, costs, and technological efficiency.

Although Brazil and Mexico face similar global pressures and structural constraints, they have followed markedly different paths toward transportation decarbonization. The study finds that national political coalitions, industrial structures, and relationships with foreign investors have played a central role in determining each country’s technological strategy.

In Brazil, EV development has been supported by a large domestic market, a strong bioethanol industry, and political alliances linking rural and urban interests. Growth in commodity exports has strengthened the position of domestically owned sectors, while robust consumer demand has attracted foreign investment and provided manufacturers with a substantial internal market.

These conditions have given the Brazilian government greater bargaining power with multinational automakers, which dominate vehicle production throughout the region. As a result, Brazil has favoured decarbonization strategies that align with domestic priorities, particularly hybrid vehicles compatible with the country’s extensive ethanol infrastructure and existing flex-fuel fleet.

Mexico’s experience has been different. Its automotive industry is heavily export-oriented, with about 87 per cent of light vehicle production destined for foreign markets. This dependence on external markets and foreign technology has limited policymakers’ ability to shape industrial development and has tied the country’s EV strategy closely to integration with North American supply chains.

According to Dr Perfeito da Silva, Mexico has rapidly expanded battery electric vehicle assembly and battery production while seeking to increase local content and reduce technological dependence. However, these efforts remain constrained by the country’s export-led development model and its reliance on access to US and Canadian markets.

The study notes that rising protectionist pressures, including tariff threats and uncertainty surrounding key provisions of the US Inflation Reduction Act, have exposed vulnerabilities in Mexico’s approach. While Brazil has pursued a domestically adapted hybrid-ethanol pathway, Mexico faces growing pressure to take a more active role in industrial policymaking as the external environment becomes less stable and predictable.

More information: Renato H. de Gaspi et al, The Politics of Technological Choice in the EV Transition: Comparing Brazil and Mexico, Politics and Governance. DOI: 10.17645/pag.11240

Journal information: Politics and Governance Provided by University of Exeter

Electric Vehicles Offer Financial and Environmental Benefits for Most U.S. Drivers

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Despite regional differences in climate, electricity generation, traffic congestion, and driving habits, electric vehicles generally produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and do not cost more to own than comparable gasoline-powered vehicles across most of the United States, according to a new study led by researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The research provides one of the most comprehensive assessments to date of how local conditions and individual driving patterns influence the environmental and financial performance of electric vehicles. By integrating meteorological data, travel behaviour, fuel prices, electricity costs, and regional electricity mixes, the study offers a detailed picture of how electric vehicles perform under real-world conditions.

To capture these variations, the researchers compiled and analysed data from thousands of U.S. zip codes and examined vehicle use at the level of individual drivers. Their analysis incorporated factors such as trip distance, driving frequency, traffic conditions, and acceleration patterns, along with local fuel and electricity prices. Rather than relying on short-term fluctuations in energy costs, the study used time-averaged fuel prices to provide a more stable assessment of long-term ownership costs. The analysis was completed in late 2024 and early 2025 and forms the basis for an updated version of carboncounter.com. This public tool compares vehicle life-cycle emissions and ownership costs for nearly every vehicle model on the market.

The findings show that driving behaviour can influence the emissions benefits of electric vehicles as much as regional factors such as the local electricity grid. In most parts of the country, battery-electric vehicles reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 40 to 60 percent compared to similar gasoline-powered vehicles, with the largest reductions occurring in urban areas. The researchers also found that some common assumptions about electric vehicles in cold climates may be overstated. Although extremely low temperatures can temporarily reduce battery efficiency and driving range, colder weather has only a modest effect on annual emissions benefits. Even under unfavourable winter conditions, electric vehicles still produced substantially lower emissions than comparable combustion-engine vehicles.

The study was led by Marco Miotti, who conducted the work while a graduate student at MIT’s Institute for Data, Systems, and Society, together with senior author Jessika Trancik. According to Miotti, the research was designed to address broad claims often made about electric vehicles, particularly regarding their performance in cooler climates. Rather than asking whether electric vehicles are universally better, the researchers aimed to determine under which conditions and for which drivers electric vehicles offer the greatest advantages. Their results suggest that factors such as local electricity generation, annual travel distance, traffic density, vehicle size, and driving frequency all contribute in roughly equal measure to the emissions-reduction potential of electric vehicles.

The researchers examined both battery-electric vehicles, which operate solely on electricity, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, which combine electric batteries with conventional combustion engines. To support the analysis, the team refined existing models that estimate fuel economy and energy use so they could better account for regional climate variability and real-world driving conditions. They also combined national travel survey data with detailed GPS-based driving information using probabilistic matching techniques, allowing them to estimate how drivers behave across different locations and traffic conditions. This integrated modelling approach enabled the researchers to evaluate emissions and ownership costs while accounting for both regional differences and the characteristics of specific vehicle models.

On the financial side, the study found that electric vehicles are cost-competitive with gasoline-powered vehicles in most parts of the United States, even without government tax incentives. In regions where electricity prices are relatively low, battery-electric vehicles often cost less to own over their lifetime than either plug-in hybrid or conventional gasoline vehicles. Looking ahead, the researchers plan to expand their framework to analyse how changing vehicle prices, fuel costs, and electricity systems influence emissions and affordability over time. As electricity grids continue to shift toward cleaner energy sources, they expect regional differences in emissions savings to narrow further, while variations linked to individual driving patterns will remain important.

More information: Marco Miotti et al, Determinants of electric vehicle emissions savings and costs across locations and individuals, Environmental Research Letters. DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/ae0c23

Journal information: Environmental Research Letters Provided by Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Prioritise Grid Readiness to Minimise the Cost of EV and V2G Expansion

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Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) chargers allow electric vehicles to function as a distributed battery network, enabling electricity to be stored and returned to the grid when needed. This capability has the potential to smooth fluctuations in demand throughout the day, for example, by supplying power during evening peaks and recharging overnight. In principle, such systems could improve efficiency for utilities while offering incentives to EV owners, such as reduced charging costs or financial compensation for supplying energy back to the grid.

However, modelling from an international team of researchers indicates that V2G alone cannot fully offset the additional strain that widespread EV adoption places on existing electricity infrastructure. Even with advanced charging technologies, current grid systems are not equipped to handle the projected growth in electricity demand. As a result, relying on V2G to delay or substitute for grid upgrades may not be sufficient or cost-effective in the long term.

The researchers instead recommend prioritising early investment in grid infrastructure, with upgrades designed to meet long-term demand projections. Their analysis suggests that planning for future electricity needs—looking as far ahead as 2050—can reduce total system costs by avoiding repeated, incremental upgrades. While V2G technology remains valuable, it is most effective when deployed alongside a grid that has already been strengthened to accommodate increased loads.

The study examined detailed data from California’s Bay Area, where EV adoption is already high. Using census data and projections, the team modelled when households are likely to adopt EVs, where charging would occur, and how factors such as rooftop solar installations and rising baseline energy demand would influence electricity use. They compared different charging strategies, ranging from basic chargers to more advanced systems capable of flexible timing and bidirectional energy flow.

Their findings highlight that infrastructure lifespans play a crucial role in determining cost efficiency. Grid components such as transformers can last up to 40 years, whereas EV chargers typically have a lifespan of about a decade. This means that delaying major grid upgrades in favour of incremental improvements can lead to higher cumulative costs, as equipment may need to be replaced or upgraded multiple times. In contrast, undertaking larger, forward-looking upgrades early can avoid these inefficiencies.

The research also underscores that the benefits of V2G increase as EV adoption and renewable energy generation expand. In areas with significant solar power, for instance, EVs can store excess energy generated during the day and release it when demand rises, reducing pressure on transmission systems. This makes V2G particularly valuable in a mature energy ecosystem, rather than as a stopgap solution during early adoption phases.

Overall, the study concludes that the most cost-effective pathway is to upgrade the grid first and introduce V2G capabilities more gradually. By initially deploying simpler, lower-cost chargers and transitioning to advanced V2G systems later, utilities can better align infrastructure investments with evolving demand. This staged approach ensures that both grid capacity and charging technology develop in tandem, maximising efficiency while minimising long-term costs.

More information: Liangcai Xu et al, Proactive grid investment enables V2G for 100% adoption of electric vehicles in urban areas, Joule. DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2026.102393

Journal information: Joule Provided by University of Michigan

Ultrafast EV Charging in China: Obstacles, Innovations, and Economic Considerations

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A recent study published in Engineering explores the emerging landscape of ultrafast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in China, offering a detailed examination of usage patterns, grid implications, proposed solutions, and the associated financial costs. As the global EV market continues to expand remarkably—with China at the forefront in adoption—gaining a nuanced understanding of the infrastructure challenges and opportunities is imperative for sustainable growth in this sector.

The research, led by Yang Zhao, Xinyu Chen, and Michael B. McElroy, is grounded in an extensive analysis of real-world charging data from over 15,000 EVs across fast-charging stations in ten Beijing districts. Using this empirical dataset, the team developed a series of future-oriented scenarios that reflect evolving EV specifications and charging behaviours. Key parameters incorporated into the modelling include charging power levels, battery capacities, and charging session durations, all critical to anticipating infrastructural needs.

One particularly significant finding concerns the non-linear relationship between increased charging power and station load. While it might be intuitively assumed that doubling charging power would result in a proportional doubling of station load, the study demonstrates that this is not necessarily the case. In larger charging stations equipped with numerous chargers, the peak power demand rises far less dramatically—by under 30%—even when charging power is doubled. This phenomenon arises because shorter charging durations reduce the probability of session overlap. For instance, in simulation scenarios ranging from S1 to S7, where the maximum EV charging power increased tenfold, the peak load at the airport charging facility only increased by 4.90, underscoring the moderating effect of session timing on load intensification.

To address the challenge of limited power capacity at charging stations, the researchers evaluated two broad mitigation strategies: a dynamic waiting system and integrating energy storage solutions. The dynamic waiting strategy entails staggering specific charging sessions to alleviate peak loads. Notably, at the airport station—where the total capacity is equivalent to 120 kW multiplied by the number of chargers—this approach alone was sufficient to accommodate ultrafast charging needs across all simulated scenarios (S1 to S7), albeit with a manageable increase in waiting times.

In parallel, the study assessed the role of battery-based energy storage systems in absorbing peak demand surges. Although effective, this solution comes at a considerably higher cost. The unit cost of lithium-ion energy storage in China is approximately four times that of conventional pad-mounted distribution transformers. Despite the expense, energy storage offers distinct advantages: It obviates the need for grid capacity upgrades and allows for greater flexibility in station deployment, especially in areas where grid reinforcement is impractical or delayed.

The financial implications of infrastructure upgrades were also a focal point of the study. The chargers themselves and the associated distribution transformers were among the key cost drivers identified. By comparing the costs of various upgrade pathways, the researchers offer a strategic framework for stakeholders—particularly policymakers and utility providers—to optimise investment decisions. Their findings support the establishment of large-scale ultrafast charging stations featuring chargers with power ratings between 350 kW and 550 kW in regions with high charging demand. Such an approach, the authors argue, represents a cost-effective and scalable response to the anticipated surge in EV charging needs.

Overall, this study provides a comprehensive and data-rich perspective on the future of ultrafast EV charging infrastructure in China. Its integration of empirical evidence with forward-looking scenario analysis highlights the complexity of managing high-power charging networks. It presents actionable insights for infrastructure planning, grid integration strategies, and regulatory frameworks. As China continues to lead the global EV transition, studies of this kind will prove critical in ensuring that the supporting infrastructure evolves in a manner that is both economically and environmentally sustainable.

More information: Yang Zhao et al, Future Ultrafast Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles in China: Charging Patterns, Grid Impacts and Solutions, and Upgrade Costs, Engineering. DOI: 0.1016/j.eng.2025.01.015

Journal information: Engineering Provided by Higher Education Press

Ministers Pressed to Address Inequality in Access to Green Technologies such as Solar Power and Electric Vehicles

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According to a recent study from the University of Sheffield, to achieve its ambitious net-zero emissions goals by 2050, the UK government must do more than offer subsidies for low-carbon technologies (LCTs) like electric vehicles and solar panels. Developed in collaboration with researchers from the universities of Nottingham and Macedonia, the report highlights significant socioeconomic disparities limiting uptake among disadvantaged groups despite overall increasing adoption.

In recent years, the number of UK households using solar panels for electricity generation has more than doubled, from 3 per cent to 6.5 per cent. Similarly, solar heating technology adoption rose from 1.4 per cent to 2.1 per cent, and electric or hybrid vehicle usage increased from under 1 per cent to 2.8 per cent. These trends indicate growing national acceptance of low-carbon technologies, yet socioeconomic inequalities remain a considerable barrier.

The study identifies age, education, occupation, ethnicity, and gender as significant influences individuals’ ability to invest in these technologies. Dr Andrew Burlinson from the University of Sheffield’s School of Economics highlighted that current policies inadequately support disadvantaged groups, exacerbating existing inequalities and limiting their resilience to fluctuating energy prices.

The UK government currently subsidises some electric vehicles at purchase, but these subsidies are rarely linked to socioeconomic status, and support for domestic solar installations ended in 2019. The researchers argue that targeted financial and educational incentives must be reintroduced, primarily aimed at lower-income communities, to ensure equitable access and help achieve national decarbonisation targets.

Professor Monica Giulietti from the University of Nottingham advocates for broader, community-level initiatives beyond individual households, particularly in private, rented, and social housing sectors. Community-based solar installations could substantially reduce individual financial burdens, improving accessibility for those without direct control over their housing or transport.

Dr Jayne Carrick from the South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre reinforced the necessity for comprehensive policy reforms, highlighting survey findings that nearly half of residents are reluctant to adopt solar panels, and 57 per cent hesitate regarding heat pump technologies. Dr Burlinson concluded that targeted policies addressing socioeconomic inequalities are essential for fairness and enhancing household energy efficiency and resilience during the transition to a sustainable future.

More information: Andrew Burlinson et al, Socioeconomic inequality in low-carbon technology adoption, Energy Economics. DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2025.108244

Journal information: Energy Economics Provided by University of Sheffield

Intelligent Researchers Reveal Study Connecting EV Charging Stations with Boosted Local Business Activity

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Researchers from the Mens, Manus, and Machina (M3S) Interdisciplinary Research Group (IRG) at the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), in collaboration with the University of Florida, Melbourne Business School, Tongji University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), have published a groundbreaking study. This study, one of the first of its kind globally, underscores the economic advantages of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) and their potential to influence urban planning and economic development on a global scale.

Amidst a global shift towards cleaner energy, nations are increasing their efforts to adopt electric vehicles, setting ambitious goals to eliminate petrol and diesel in transportation sectors. The sales of electric cars have risen by approximately 25% in the initial quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with projections indicating that these sales might hit 17 million units by year-end, making up over 20% of global car sales. Specifically, in Singapore, the Singapore Green Plan mandates that by 2030, all new cars must be of cleaner-energy models, supporting the plan to install 60,000 EVCS by the same year. The deployment of these stations is seen as critical infrastructure in the broader initiative to promote electric vehicles, providing essential data for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and consumers.

The paper, published in Nature Communications and titled “Effects of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations on Economic Vitality of Local Businesses,” analyzed data from more than 4,000 EVCS and 140,000 business establishments in California, USA. The study found that the introduction of a single EVCS could enhance local business revenues by 1.4% in 2019 and by 0.8% between January 2021 and June 2023, translating to an overall revenue boost of USD 6.7 million in 2019 and USD 19.5 million from January 2021 to June 2023. The presence of EVCS tends to attract higher-income, exploratory visitors and residents.

Drawing parallels with the business model of convenience stores at petrol stations, the research suggests that integrating EVCS with services such as accommodation, food, arts, entertainment, recreation, and retail can significantly amplify revenues by drawing more customers, thereby enhancing the economic vibrancy of local areas. Employing a ‘difference-in-differences’ methodology—used to assess the impact of new policies by comparing changes over time between a group affected by the policy and a control group—the study established a definitive causal relationship between EVCS and favourable economic outcomes.

Interestingly, while EV owners generally hail from higher-income brackets, the benefits of EVCS are not limited to affluent neighbourhoods. The installation of these charging stations also boosts spending in economically disadvantaged areas, suggesting that EVCS could be pivotal in stimulating economic vitality in these communities.

The study also highlights the potential for EVCS to influence urban planning and economic development significantly. For EVCS operators, there lies an opportunity to devise business models that foster partnerships with local enterprises to stimulate regional economic growth. Additionally, policymakers, particularly in regions with burgeoning EV markets like Singapore, can leverage these insights to integrate the financial advantages of EV infrastructure into broader planning and investment frameworks.

The research team utilized a comprehensive analytical approach, analyzing real-world data from diverse Californian locales through advanced statistical techniques, machine learning, and economic forecasting to bolster the reliability of their findings. This rigorous methodology not only sets a new standard in research on EV infrastructure but also lays a strong foundation for future explorations into the broader impacts of EV adoption.

“Understanding the synergistic relationship between EVCS and urban planning is crucial for creating sustainable cities,” explained Dr Yunhan Zheng, a Postdoctoral Associate at SMART M3S and the study’s primary author. “By optimizing the placement of EVCS and considering elements such as public transport access and green spaces, we can develop more livable, climate-resilient urban environments.”

Professor Jinhua Zhao, Lead Principal Investigator at SMART M3S and MIT professor, emphasized, “Electric Vehicle Charging Stations can be powerful catalysts for economic growth, especially in underprivileged areas. Our findings offer valuable insights for those committed to advancing clean energy goals while fostering economic development. Through strategic deployment of EVCS, we can stimulate job creation, attract new businesses, and enhance property values, thereby reaping the economic and social benefits of clean energy infrastructure.”

Looking ahead, the SMART M3S team plans to conduct further studies to refine the placement of future EVCS in Singapore. Building on current insights, they aim to maximize the positive impacts of EVCS on local economies by strategically positioning these stations to foster economic growth and development both within Singapore and globally.

More information: Yunhan Zheng et al, Effects of electric vehicle charging stations on the economic vitality of local businesses, Nature Communications. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51554-9

Journal information: Nature Communications Provided by Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)