zero-emission climate change

Sign warning drivers in London that they are about to enter the Ultra Low Emission Zone and Congestion Charging Zone. (IMG/David Hawgood/Wikimedia)

Zero-emission vehicles to combat climate change 

Zero-emission is a way to combat climate change, and a new global survey found 84% of the 12,000 people it surveyed believe climate change is real. Eight in 10 think nations must come together to make a more significant impact in the fight against climate change.

It also revealed 67% of the climate change believers think choosing more eco-friendly transportation methods is how individuals can act on the issue. 

Dynata, the world’s largest first-party platform for insights, activation, and measurement, conducted the survey across 12 countries: Australia, China, India, Japan, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, UK, and the US. 

Drive towards zero-emission

Aside from other efforts to achieve zero emissions, the drive towards zero-emission public transportation is underway in some parts of the world.

For example, in Australia, Hyzon Motors unveiled its first zero-emission, fuel cell electric commercial coach, the first of its kind.

The coach seats 50 passengers and has a range of up to 700km (430 miles) and 350kW motor power.

The first coach is deployed in Brisbane, with nine more coaches still in production. Similar coaches will be available to customers globally next year.

The coaches attract significant interest from local bus operators, government departments, mining companies, and tourism operators, given their broad applications and Australia’s move towards decarbonizing bus operations.

The state of New South Wales alone intends to have its entire fleet of 8,000 buses operating with zero emissions by 2030. 

Green public transportation 

Meanwhile, in Glasgow, which is currently hosting the COP26 UN climate change conference, 55 zero-emissions fully-electric E12 bus fleets from Yutong join the Glasgow bus service to provide transportation for the residents.

Green public transport is expected to be one of the most impactful solutions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

“Urbanization will increase demand for sustainable transport worldwide in coping with the high emissions of private vehicles which caused about three-quarters of CO₂ from urban passenger transport,” said Philip Turner, Head of Sustainable Development of International Association of Public Transport.

“Public transportation is the most effective way to improve travel efficiency and energy conservation and emission reduction.”

Yutong taking the lead to achieve emissions targets

“Yutong is taking the lead in helping China and the world to achieve emissions targets by releasing the first net-zero emissions initiative in China’s bus industry.

It emphasizes the devotion on technological innovations such as new energy and autonomous driving to accelerate the research and development, manufacturing, and promotion and application of zero-carbon and smart commercial vehicles,” said Kent Chang, director of Yutong overseas distribution sales, of the company’s proposal for net-zero emission by 2050. 

“We will continue to make efforts to promote the transformation of smart manufacturing, speed up the realization of the green commercial vehicle industry chain, and advocate the culture of public transportation.”

Global demand for quality EVs

The growing interest in electric vehicles is also recognized by the 2021 LA Auto Show, which will host its inaugural zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) awards program – THE ZEVAS™ – later this month.

It currently opens the public voting for a selection of ZEVs available for purchase or pre-order in various categories, with the winners to be announced during the show on 19 to 28 November.

Some candidates are Hyundai KONA Electric in the compact class and Kia EV6 in the crossover above the US$50,000 category. In addition, the show will be the ground for a new car and brand debuts as well, including VinFast, Vietnam’s first global automaker. 

“Global demand for quality EVs drives our endless efforts to create high-quality products for everyone. We have made vigorous investments and conducted extensive market research to create premium EVs that will satisfy the desires of global customers,” said Le Thi Thu Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup.

Thuy added, “The LA Auto Show’s early support of the EV market and unique ability to inform influencers and consumers about electrification makes it the right venue to introduce our brand to North American market.”