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Global electric vehicle sales topped 2 million in 2019

Ben Geman, author of Generate
Reproduced from EIA, Global EV Outlook 2020; Chart: Axios Visuals

Electric vehicles had a "banner year" in 2019 with worldwide sales topping 2 million, but they still represent just roughly 1% of cars on the road globally, per an International Energy Agency report released Monday.

Yes, but: The coronavirus pandemic is creating sales headwinds this year, though electric vehicles are affected less than traditional cars.

  • But even without that problem, electric vehicle growth remains far off the pace of what's needed in IEA's scenario consistent with the Paris climate deal.
  • Under current and planned policies, the number of electric cars, trucks and buses worldwide grows to roughly 140 million in 2030.
  • That's far below the 245 million in IEA's "sustainable development scenario."

Go deeper

Jacob Knutson
Sep 5, 2020 - Energy & Environment

Global need for copper is pitting clean energy against the wilderness

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

The world's transition to renewable energy and electric vehicles will require unprecedented amounts of copper from potentially new mining operations that may harm vulnerable species and ecosystems.

Why it matters: The global need for copper could increase by an estimated 350% by 2050, with current reserves depleting sometime between 2035 and 2045, as wind and solar energy generate an increasing percentage of electricity and more people adopt electric vehicles.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow
Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen
10 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Democrats' hypocrisy moment

Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios. Photo: Ray Tamarra/Getty Images

Gov. Andrew Cuomo should be facing explicit calls to resign from President Biden on down, if you apply the standard that Democrats set for similar allegations against Republicans. And it's not a close call.

Why it matters: The #MeToo moment saw men in power run out of town for exploiting young women. Democrats led the charge. So the silence of so many of them seems more strange — and unacceptable by their own standards — by the hour.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Russell Contreras
2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Police officers' immunity from lawsuits is getting a fresh look

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Nearly a year after the death of George Floyd, advocates of changes in police practices are launching new moves to limit or eliminate legal liability protections for officers accused of excessive force.

Why it matters: Revising or eliminating qualified immunity — the shield police officers have now — could force officers accused of excessive force to personally face civil penalties in addition to their departments. But such a change could intensify a nationwide police officer shortage, critics say. 

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow