Photo by Daniel Kuberek on Unsplash

Welcome to the April edition of State of Charge, a concise monthly overview of the ongoing transition to renewable energy and e-mobility.

This month we explore retrofitting buildings, nature-based solutions to combat land degradation and the myths around plug-in-hybrid electric vehicles. We also learn about the ongoing push to convert classic cars to electric, and ask if science fiction storytelling can hold back the fight against climate change.

Photo by Dorian Mongel on Unsplash

It's increasingly clear that retrofitting old and inefficient buildings is vital to the energy transition. In 2020, 37% of energy-related CO2 emissions came from buildings, and can account for around 70% of emissions in cities like New York. Though concerns over initial construction costs can sometimes outweigh potential future savings and emissions reductions, there are many examples of changing attitudes around the world.

The iconic Empire State Building aims to become carbon neutral by 2030, new hotels are hoping to ensure net-zero accommodation to travellers, and in Germany a startup is producing 'second skins' for old buildings to cut energy use. In the UK, the old ‘knock it down and start again’ attitude is out and retrofitting is in.

These statistics only include 100% Electric Vehicles, no hybrids. Statistics are provided by our partner
 ev-volumes.com. The Electric Vehicle World Sales Database.

Photo by Tanner Vote on Unsplash

Food systems account for 80% of deforestation and 29% of greenhouse gas emissions. They are also the biggest culprit for land degradation (40% of the world's land is now degraded) and biodiversity loss (including a devastating collapse in inspect species). However, there are a number of nature-based tech solutions, that could reduce the environmental footprint of food systems, whilst still providing economic progress.

Photo by Michael Fousert on Unsplash

In big news this month, Germany's economy ministry aims to end plug-in-hybrid (PHEVs) subsidies earlier than planned. However, some critics are questioning whether this could harm the advance of electric mobility, as they believe that hybrids are a good interim solution. Especially whilst range anxiety remains an adoption barrier for potential EV drivers due to patchy charging infrastructure.

However (despite being counted in many EV adoption statistics) research has shown that plug-in-hybrids could be up to eight times more polluting than indicated on their official tests. These heavy vehicles could be warping our emissions reduction targets, and hindering climate-conscious drivers from purchasing a fully electric vehicle. 

So, do hybrids help or harm the energy transition? Read more for some interesting discussion on EV and PHEV misinformation.

Photo by Meritt Thomas on Unsplash

Loving classic cars and driving electric doesn't have to be mutually exclusive! Despite long waiting lists, many owners are making the decision to convert their classic cars to electric. As low emission regulations come into effect, it will be increasingly difficult to drive a classic car with an internal combustion engine (ICE) within many city centres. Startups around the world have taken up the challenge to save the 'dinosaurs' on our roads.

If you'd like to explore further, take a YouTube dive into some of the many classic car conversions online, such as this VW Beetle which was converted in a day!

Photo by Maksim Istomin on Unsplash

Science fiction stories have been around for centuries, and often depict a future for our planet that isn't bright. In many dystopian futures humanity has destroyed and/or abandoned Earth to find a new home. But can these pessimistic stories harm our efforts to take action against climate change?

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