Contribution of Electric Cars to the Mitigation of CO2 Emissions in the City of Sao Paulo

Abstract

Adoption of the electric car to mitigate air pollution and climate change: myth or reality? This study aims to bring out the energy and climate mitigation impacts of mass introduction of electric cars in city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. A working scenario of 10 percent penetration of electric cars replacing gasoline-powered vehicles by 2020 and 20 percent by 2030 was set. The impact on the energy mix and CO2 emissions was based on indicators available for the city of Sao Paulo. Preliminary results indicate significant energy and environmental benefits to the city. We identified a potential reduction of up to 2030 will be about 11 MtCO2 representing more than 10 percent compared with the total emissions from the fleet of gasoline-powered cars.