资源环境科技发展态势分析平台

In a milestone for the environment, Europeans purchased more electric cars than those powered by diesel last month. According to recent data, over 20 per cent of new cars sold in Europe and the United Kingdom (UK) in December 2021 were electric. Meanwhile, the sale of diesel vehicles in the European Union (EU) slipped below 19 per cent.

While many developed nations have pledged to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles in the next 20 years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the transition will be more complicated in developing countries where old imported cars are often the most affordable option. A 2020 report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) found that the three largest exporters of used vehicles - Europe, Japan and the United States exported 14 million used light-duty vehicles worldwide between 2015 and 2018.

We spoke to Rob de Jong, head of the Sustainable Mobility Unit at UNEP, to find out more about the rise in electric vehicle sales and what can be done to support this transition globally.