Mapping Greener Future For The Automobile Sector

Sunil Gandhi Oct 31, 2022

In the modern era driven by technological advancements and innovation, the need to consider environmental impacts and foster sustainable living have become imperative. Among various contributors to the growing menace of pollution, the ever-increasing number of automobiles on the road are arguably among the ones with the biggest impact. By 2023, the Indian government anticipates that the vehicle industry would bring in $8–10 billion in domestic and foreign investments. The global pandemic, that saw a reduced number of vehicles on the roads due to stringent protocols, was mere witness to the noticeable impact automobiles had on the environment. Amid the lack of harmful pollutants, the air quality was arguably at its best in recent years. As opined by numerous industry experts and highlighted in studies, the automotive industry has been a contributor to different types of pollution - both at the consumer level and the manufacturing source. In the life cycle of a vehicle, its usage accounts for around 90 percent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with manufacture accounting for the remaining 10 percent.

Transport and Environment

Around the world, the transportation industry is responsible for 16 percent of emission of greenhouse gasses. As the automotive industry ushers into a new era, technology remains key in assisting automakers achieve both mobility and sustainability. But, for the sake of the environment, it is crucial for every industry to undertake ethical practices with a special attention to the environment. Historically, both the manufacturing of automobiles and the on-road vehicles have had an adverse effect on the environment. But, with a growing urgency on environmental reforms, new-age manufacturers are not only recognising the industry’s impact but also taking proactive measures to curb it.

By 2030, global demand for mobility is set to increase by 70 percent. At the same time, the automotive sector must reduce carbon emissions by at least 50 percent. Acting on the need to contribute towards the environment, corporate leaders are joining the chorus to bring in the necessary changes in the ongoing practices of the automotive industry. Manufacturers are currently setting the bar higher to bring about a sustainable change in the industry. The number of electric-only vehicles being created is increasing, significantly lowering their carbon footprint. A more efficient manufacturing technique now allows for the construction of vehicles that nevertheless use diesel or gasoline. Even for the same distance, the cars themselves frequently use less gas than older versions. Green technology is the trend of the future, and as the industry develops, the earth will keep growing cleaner and the air will keep getting fresher.

Sustainable Technologies in Transportation

Sustainable technology is a rapidly evolving field. In fact, one sector where green technology is booming is the automotive industry, on the back of various technical innovations. This industry has advanced significantly toward more efficient and greener electric and hybrid vehicles over the last few years.

The automotive industry is responsible for around 25 percent of all worldwide carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The sector is primarily working on waste management, including recycling, emission reduction, and energy and water conservation. The last few years have witnessed a dramatic shift in the automotive industry, one that’s more inclined towards environment-friendly business practices including the use of more recyclable materials, fuel alternatives, and improved reliability and eco-friendly car parts.

New Developments

Vehicles are likely to become as ecological as the energy that supports them - all thanks to electrification, rendering them no more harmful than any other electricity user. As the supply of green electricity increases over time, the car can become more instantly sustainable because the local pollution effect is reduced. Emissions from the automotive sector will be greatly decreased as renewable energy sources occupy the better part of the market. A change in how automobiles can be maintained will also be made possible by electric vehicles. Currently, it is difficult and expensive to replace either the gearbox or powertrain in a car with a combustion engine. This task becomes much simpler with an electric car, perhaps allowing for a considerably longer shelf life with reused parts.

To lessen their environmental impact, more and more automakers are now using recycled components to construct their newest models. For instance, the manufacturers have begun following the practice of melting down the old tyres to make new ones. Materials like steel, plastic, aluminum, can also be recycled and used to make new automobiles. Additionally, a lot of auto component manufacturers have joined the green revolution to make the automotive industry more environment-friendly by creating auto parts from recyclable and sustainable materials.

Summing Up

Changes in public perception of transport as a whole may also have an impact on the adoption of new, more environment-friendly mobility solutions. Personal cars are a popular mode of transportation at the moment, with many of them operating at less than their maximum capacity and spending much of their time parked. As a consequence, there is an unnecessary influx of more automobiles on the roads at any given time, further increasing emissions and clogging up the roads.

The automobile industry has adopted a host of cutting-edge technological innovations, including electric vehicles, in recent years to lessen its environmental impact. Their goal is to drastically lower the price of driving, the quantity of fossil fuel consumed in transportation, and CO2 emissions. In order to improve air quality and lessen the consequences of global warming, electric vehicles have emerged as a much-needed solution - one that compliments both innovation and environment in equal measure.