According to experts, only two of the world’s 12 largest automakers plan to produce enough electric vehicles by 2030 to meet the Paris Agreement’s climate goals.
According to Influence Map, a research NGO that evaluates corporate climate goals and policies, more than half of all new electric vehicles coming off production lines in 2029 would need to be electric for the sector to be compliant with the goal of capping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels.
At the same time, while publicly supporting the Paris Agreement, 11 of the 12 carmakers have actively opposed government policies to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, particularly the phase-out of internal combustion engines, according to Influence Map.
Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are particularly off the mark, with non-polluting vehicles accounting for only 14, 18, and 22 percent of their planned production in 2029, respectively, according to the report.
Hyundai of South Korea, Ford of the United States, and Renault of France were only marginally more on track, with 27, 28, and 31 percent of their global fleets projected to be electric in seven years.
Tesla, based in the United States, is a “pure player” manufacturer that has only ever produced electric cars and trucks.
“Almost all automakers are failing to keep pace with the transition to zero emissions,” said Influence Map program Manager Ben Youriev.
“Those lagging the furthest behind are also the most negative when it comes to climate policy advocacy.”
With 36 to 46 percent of their fleets planned to be electric in 2029, Ford, Stellantis, Volkswagen, and BMW are getting closer to the 52 percent threshold for compatibility with the Paris temperature target.
Aside from Tesla, only Mercedes-Benz (at 56 percent) anticipates a transition in line with that goal.
Influence Map uses cross-references to evaluate automaker trajectories.
To read our blog on “Chevrolet is making a Corvette that is all electric,” click here.