Digital technology will be a key driver of progress toward achieving the 2050 net-zero carbon emissions target. The Telecommunications and Smart Transportation Technology Development Foundation (TTF), the Taiwan Institute of Sustainable Energy (TAISE), and Far EasTone Telecommunications jointly held the "2022 9th International Green Smart Transportation Forum" on the 26th to discuss the possibilities of smart, low-carbon transportation.
Taiwan aims to have all urban buses electrified by 2030 and all new cars and motorcycles sold by 2040. Taipower estimates that, at the current rate of growth, electricity consumption will increase by nearly 2.4 billion kWh by 2030. On the other hand, simply switching from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles will not solve carbon emissions and traffic problems; transportation transformation must also return to a people-oriented approach. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications stated that it will use an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) to analyze public mobility data and develop comprehensive strategic planning.
The government is promoting the electrification of transportation vehicles; Taipower estimates that electricity consumption will increase by nearly 2.4 billion kWh by 2030.
Hu Xianglin, Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications, explained that carbon reduction in the transportation sector is crucial to the net zero goal. Countries around the world are actively promoting the transition to green transportation. Taiwan is also moving towards the electrification and carbon-freeization of vehicles. It will increase the number of electric vehicles, improve their supporting facilities, and provide guidance on industrial technology upgrades. The goal is to fully electrify urban buses by 2030 and fully electrify all new cars and motorcycles sold by 2040.
The number of electric vehicles continues to rise, and electricity supply must keep pace. Rao You-chen, Deputy Director of the Power Distribution Department at Taiwan Power Company, stated that at the current rate of electric vehicle growth, electricity consumption is projected to increase by approximately 2.39 billion kWh by 2030, representing approximately 0.9% of annual electricity consumption. Further estimating a scenario of "full electrification" of vehicles would increase electricity consumption by 20.53 billion kWh, representing 7.87% of total electricity consumption. This is roughly equivalent to the total annual electricity consumption of Taipei, Yilan, and Keelung.
To alleviate power supply pressure, Taipower is identifying hotspots for electric vehicles and strengthening its distribution network. On national highways, the company aims to complete the installation of fast-charging stations in service areas by 2025. Furthermore, Taipower has introduced "electric vehicle electricity pricing," encouraging electric vehicle owners to spread out their charging schedules by charging more expensively during peak hours. It has also introduced measures such as bidirectional charging and discharging, allowing owners to sell electricity and become electricity producers.
Aiming to Reduce Private Transportation, Transformation Must Not Forget "People-Oriented Transportation"
However, Wang Muheng, Director of the Ministry of Transportation's Science and Technology Advisory Office, pointed out that simply switching from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles will not solve carbon emissions and traffic problems. Ultimately, changes in public transportation behavior are necessary. Smart green transportation is a key focus of future transportation initiatives, as people and goods ultimately need to move, and technology must be used to assist in meeting these basic needs. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) analyze public mobility data and develop comprehensive strategies to improve traffic safety and efficiency within existing road networks.
Wang Muheng reminded that the government’s ultimate goal during the planning process must be to make people feel that they “don’t need to own a car”. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the needs of road users with empathy and integrate people-oriented solutions.
YouBike Chairman Liu Lizhu also cited her own experience, noting that YouBike 2.0 stations have been deployed deep into residential communities, effectively completing the "last mile" of the journey, allowing residents to use public transportation throughout their journeys. However, for the public, cars and motorcycles are still too convenient. Liu bluntly stated, "We must make cars and motorcycles less convenient," such as by lowering speed limits and raising parking fees, to encourage people to switch.
Source: Environmental Information Center (https://e-info.org.tw/node/235335)
