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Ask a Scientist: What’s the Future for Trucks?

Union of Concerned Scientists

These vehicles make up just over 1 in 10 of the vehicles on our roads but emit around half of the fine particulate and nitrogen oxide pollution among on-road vehicles. The technology to enable widescale electrification has grown at impressive rates over a short amount of time, as our new report shows.

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We Need an Agreement to Phase out Fossil Fuels at COP28

Union of Concerned Scientists

Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and toxics like mercury add further to the health and environmental burden of fossil fuels. The amount of electricity needed to power these technologies would be greater than the entire world’s electricity demand today.” Particulate matter (PM2.5)

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Fossil Fuels Must Go: Re-inventing US Transportation

Union of Concerned Scientists

Contrary to claims made by some pundits, this transition away from fossil fuels can be done at moderate cost, primarily with technologies that are commercially available today. Electricity is undoubtedly the best choice of fuel in the transition, as it is a proven technology and a efficient way to propel vehicles of all types and sizes.

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A 100% Renewable Energy Future is Possible, and We Need It

Union of Concerned Scientists

A transition to 100 percent renewable energy is about more than just technology. Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and nitrogen oxides (NO x ) emissions from power plants in USCA states fall 88 and 77 percent respectively by 2040, compared with 27 and 18 percent under current policies and plans. by 2035 is needed.

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Are There Enough Materials to Manufacture All the Electric Vehicles Needed?  

Union of Concerned Scientists

Research shows there are enough explored or prospective reserves to electrify the global transportation sector using current technology if a high amount of battery recycling occurs. Reserve estimations are therefore much less than total resources and fluctuate based on material value, mineral exploration, and technological development.

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Replacing California’s Oldest and Dirtiest Cars Will Save Money and Lives

Union of Concerned Scientists

Older vehicles (pre-2004) make up 19% of the state’s passenger vehicles and only 12% of miles driven, yet they emit almost 3 times as much smog-forming, nitrogen-oxide pollution as all 2004 and later vehicles combined. These pollutants react in the atmosphere to form harmful particulate matter pollution known as PM 2.5.

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Electric School Buses: The Best Choice for Our Kids and Communities

Union of Concerned Scientists

Reductions in pollutants including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and others, help to clean the air – not just for children riding the bus, but everyone in the communities where these buses travel, as well as near the refineries where fuels are produced. But lower climate emissions aren’t the only benefit.