G20 backs landmark air quality pact boosting electric mobility

The declaration aligns with the overarching themes of G20 priorities and positions electric mobility as a key factor

THE G20 Environment and Climate Ministers adopted a landmark declaration on air quality recently, marking a turning point for the world’s largest economies. It recognises that cleaner air is essential for prosperity and sustainability, with electric mobility at the root of this change.

The declaration aligns with the overarching themes of the G20’s priorities, said the organisation The Electric Mission.

“Local air quality is one of the significant improvements made by electric mobility adoption,” said Executive Director of The Electric Mission, Hiten Parmar.

“Removing tailpipe emissions from all modes of road transport, with electric mobility, has a major influence on cleaning the air within urban environments, specifically in crowded urban centres.”

G20 encourages electric mobility adoption

The Business 20 (B20) brings together business leaders from G20 member countries, as one of the most influential G20 engagement groups.

The B20’s Industrial Transformation and Innovation Task Force submission to the G20 Presidency draws parallels with India, relevant to the adoption of electric vehicles in emerging economies.

Led from Africa, shared with the world is the official slogan and theme for the B20 South Africa 2025 Presidency, which marks the first time an African country has hosted the G20 and B20 forums.

“Each country must develop their strategy on the transition to zero emission vehicles as the key technology to decarbonise the road transport sector,” said Parmar.

“Taking valuable resources from India’s experience across their electric vehicle transition is a key parallel for South Africa, and other regions which also host well-established automotive industries.”

Electric mobility and the global energy transition

With the global challenges of economic development, climate change and air pollution, the transition to electric mobility presents a critical opportunity for transformation from business as usual.

The transport sector accounts for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the G20 declaration creates an opportunity for e-mobility to make a significant impact in reducing this.

“Fuel efficiency and vehicle emission standards set fleet-wide performance benchmarks, encouraging manufacturers to innovate, whether through more efficient combustion technology or a faster transition to electric vehicles,” said Parmar.

“Strong, predictable technical standards will provide manufacturers with long-term clarity, and ensure vehicles entering the market align with national strategies and industry masterplans.”

With the right mix of demand and supply policies, the electric mobility transition can deliver multiple dividends, including reduced oil imports, new employment opportunities and leadership in a rapidly expanding global market, said The Electric Mission.

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