The slow pace of CO2 emissions reductions in the face of global uncertainty and COVID has driven a frenzy of fresh political activity as Paris Accord deadlines loom.

Drastic reductions in fossil fuel use—over timelines on the order of half a decade—are now required to even come close to the levels specified by the Accords. On the ground, however, the necessary infrastructure and alternate energy products are not available, not affordable or both.

Electric vehicles are one way to tackle the transportation component of the emissions issue, and governments around the world are anxious to convince motorists to make the switch. One of the tools they are using are generous subsidies for EV buyers. But are those subsidies an effective way to tackle the issue? Jim Anderton doesn’t think so.

Access all episodes of End of the Line on Engineering TV along with all of our other series.