Tomorrows Vehicles Today – call for micromobility emissions research for COP26 side-event
The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, is scheduled to be held in the city of Glasgow from 1 to 12 November 2021 under the presidency of the United Kingdom. This Conference is an unmissable opportunity to draw attention to what cycling and light electric vehicles can contribute to the fight against climate change. In this framework the steering group of “Tomorrows Vehicles Today”, consisting of Brendan Hill, LEVA-EU, Zedify Edinburgh and ICBF launch the following urgent call for research.
Task – model the micromobility future
Current transport- and emission models do not take account of the available range of electric micro-mobility in their scenarios. The emissions case for mass adoption of EVs has been made, repeatedly and in detail. Some modelling exercises have now begun to include (human powered) cycling as a factor. Few have noted the effect of recent mass adoption of e-bikes. None has to our awareness incorporated the implications of the complete normalisation of light mobility – including e-scooters, cargo e-bikes and microcars – across the full range of vehicle sizes and categories.
This call for research askes for a rapid theoretical emissions modelling exercise – to be completed in time for COP26 – that characterises a truly zero emission transport future, at least for the majority of journeys which are short, personal, light duty and – in the developed and developing world – currently taken using motor cars.
The resulting model, set in the year 2030, will assume that we have successfully decimated these transport emissions while maintaining our levels of mobility. It will describe the make up of the zero emission-compliant fleet at that time, including which vehicles are we using and for what journeys. It will also explain how this new position has been achieved interns of vehicle replacement rates and the commensurate progressive decline in emissions.
This groundbreaking new study will be the first to demonstrate that incorporating the full variety of micro-mobility options can not only dramatically reduce GHGs but simultaneously induce changes that will help cities become healthier, safer, and more biodiverse.
Time and resources
This study must be completed by the end of September to allow aligned and targeted public documentation to be formulated, as well as a PR strategy for use in the run-up to COP26, to ensure the conclusions can be successfully communicated to governments and the media.
To reinforce global credibility it is envisaged that whilst the core modelling exercise will be undertaken by a small group with experience in the field, a consortium of expert reviewers and authors representing all continents and major (emitting) countries will act as reviewers and co-signatories to the final work. This will be of publishable academic paper standard.
Deliverables
The main deliverable for this commission is an interactive spreadsheet model of mobility in 2030 characterising a Paris Agreement-compliant emissions-reduction scenario, which has been achieved primarily via a major modal shift away from the majority of short, slow and local journeys being taken by full-sized private vehicles to those journeys occurring instead in sub-500kg, truly zero emission vehicles.
A second deliverable may be an accessible, interactive ‘data visualisation’ tool for decision makers, building on the model, that permits them to explore ‘what if’ scenarios and self-educate as to why light mobility is the most expedient and least expensive solution to true zero emission personal and light goods transport. These deliverables are for discussion in advance of the commission.
Contact
Are you interested in carrying out the study? Are you interested to review and/or co-sign? Please contact LEVA-EU Manager, Annick Roetynck, tel. +32 475 500 588, annick@leva-eu.com. The deadline for expression of interest is Friday 16th July.
Funding opportunities
This research will be part of a wider initiative aimed at encouraging research into different aspects of light electric vehicles. Also, steering group will be working to facilitate networking between LEV-researchers. This initiative will create interesting and attractive funding opportunities (sponsorship). If you are already convinced of the need to invest in LEV-research and how research can help your business grow and prosper, please contact Annick Roetynck for further details.
