Grid congestion stymies climate benefit from U.S. vehicle electrification.

ABSTRACT: Averting catastrophic global warming requires decisive action to decarbonize key sectors. Vehicle electrification, alongside renewable energy integration, is a long-term strategy toward zero carbon emissions. However, transitioning to fully renewable electricity may take decades-during which electric vehicles may still rely on carbon-intensive electricity. We analyze the critical role of the transmission network in enabling or constraining emissions reduction from U.S. vehicle electrification. Our models reveal that the available transmission capacity severely limits potential CO₂ emissions reduction. With adequate transmission, full electrification could nearly eliminate vehicle operational CO₂ emissions once renewable generation reaches the existing nonrenewable cap

SUBMITTER: Duan C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12328610 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature