The Links between sustainability and electrification in the regulatory framework of EU and Lithuania
ENThe EU goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 has become the main purpose of the regulatory framework considering sustainability matters. Therefore, requirements and legal restrictions are mostly linked to the transport sector and its electrification strategies. The analysis of the reduction of the emissions of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles became the most relevant topic after the announcement of the 2050 goal of achieving net-zero emissions, reducing harmful CO2 emissions, and applying different regulatory framework scenarios in various countries. The results of study by Breuer et al. (2021) showed that “light and heavy-duty vehicle traffic produces up to 50 % of present CO2 emissions on federal highways and 30 %–40 % of harmful air pollution in urban areas.” It is also implied that “that diesel-hybrid overhead catenary technology could, but not necessarily would, effectively reduce air pollution” (Breuer et al. 2021). Kacperski et al. (2022) also indicate that with renewable energy occupying a 35 % share of total electricity consumption due to the increasing capacity for intermittent renewable energy production around the world, an increasing share of BEVs on the roads should be expected which could lead to other issues related to the implementation of the electrification of the transport sector. Kacperski et al. (2022) point out that “policy makers should ensure that it does not increase road traffic, and lead to potential grid issues as a consequence.” Once net-zero emission targets have been set, the scientific community intensively looks for new ways and strategies to achieve the set goals. A detailed assessment of the technical specifications of EVs, battery design, and alternatives for electricity storage are very important for achieving the set targets of sustainability.Therefore, scientific research results, as well as modelling and forecasting indicators of the negative sides of the development of the EV, should be investigated and evaluated with the utmost accuracy to prevent irreversible impact on the environment and societal well-being. The first steps towards regulating the issues relating to energy efficiency in the EU regulatory framework appeared in 2005. Legal regulations were oriented towards the usage of alternative fuels and the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, focusing on common rules for the internal market in electricity and creating unified guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure by setting CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles (Directives 2005/64/EC, 2012/27/EU, 2014/94/EU, 2018/2001, 2019/944, and Regulations 2019/631, 2022/869). The 2005 Directive on the type-approval of motor vehicles with regard to their reuse, recycling and refurbishment specifies that, with regard to the reuse, recycling and refurbishment of motor vehicles, Member States shall ensure that the manufacturer, when applying for type-approval of a type of vehicle in the European Community, shall use the models for the presentation of the particulars specified in the provisions of this Directive. The Directive also strengthened the enforcement of motor vehicle production with a view to sustainability and to increasing the focus on recycling, reuse and refurbishment. The main problems with the implementation of such strategies appeared in manufacturing businesses.According to the legislation, Member States may not grant any type-approval on a compulsory basis without first satisfying themselves that the manufacturer has followed the appropriate procedures and practices, so the procedures shall specify the requirements for the production of vehicles belonging to the relevant categories in such a way that at least 85 % of their mass is reusable and/or recyclable, and at least 95 % of their mass is reusable and/or refurbished. Thus, in spite of the fact that EU legislation was already directed towards technological development, energy efficiency and resource reuse (Directive 2005/64/EC) almost two decades ago, the set goals have still not have been fully exceeded and implemented in all EU countries even today. Therefore, questions remain as to whether the legislation and its implementation strategies are the most useful tools for achieving results in climate change management. Perhaps the whole perspective and direction towards climate change should managed by a different approach. The holistic point of view and approaches from different angles could be key elements in achieving results, combining the areas of legal regulation, cultural, behavior, social, educational and accountability management. [Extract, p. 399-400]
