Visiting Fellow Program Highlights Path to Electric Mobility in Central Asia

A visiting fellow program titled “Decarbonizing Road Transport: CAREC Countries’ Transition to Electric Mobility,” authored by Mr. Mr. Khalil Raza sheds light on the urgent need for CAREC countries to embrace electric mobility as a means to combat climate change and enhance regional integration. The report emphasizes that transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) is not only essential for reducing transport emissions but also for fostering economic growth and improving public health in the region.

The report outlines the significant role of government policies and investments in building a robust EV infrastructure. It highlights the successful strategies employed by China, which has emerged as a global leader in electric mobility, and suggests that CAREC countries can learn from these experiences. The report also underlines the regional trade of electric vehicles among CAREC countries, highlighting growing significance of China in the region. The author advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes establishing a basic charging infrastructure, providing targeted subsides, and forming partnerships with established manufactures to develop local EV supply chains.

Furthermore, the report calls for a holistic “avoid-shift-improve’ strategy, focusing on reducing mobility demand, shifting to cleaner transport modes, and enhancing vehicle technology. It stresses the importance of regional collaboration and policy support to achieve decarbonization objectives and build a sustainable, low-carbon future for the transport sector in CAREC countries. By leveraging the expertise and leadership of the PRC in EV technology, the report posits that CAREC nations can accelerate their transition to electric mobility and realize significant climate benefits.