EcoDrive: electric cars for social needs - Sustainable Development Goals in Belarus
EcoDrive: electric cars for social needs
18 April 2024
Sustainable Development Goals
Short description

The initiative, implemented in 2018 in the Ivyevsky district, is aimed at introducing electric vehicles into the social sphere to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. It is an example of how local efforts can contribute to achieving global environmental goals. The activity was actively supported by state and international organizations, local authorities and public organizations.

Detailed description

    REGION OF IMPLEMENTATION 

    Ivye, Ivye district, Grodno region

    SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TOPICS

    Technology and Innovation
    Environmental sustainability and resource management
    Social development
    Housing and urban environment

    CONTENTS OF THE ACTIVITY

    The initiative is focused on achieving several goals. First of all, on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, combating climate change and improving air quality The second key aspect is the popularization of environmentally friendly transport among the population and its development in the region. Economic benefits of switching to electric vehicles include reduced fuel and maintenance costs. In addition, the use of electric vehicles improves accessibility and mobility in the social and health care sectors, providing better support to local residents.

    KEY STEPS OF IMPLEMENTATION:

    • Purchase and use of electric vehicles.
    • Information campaign. Conducting an information campaign to raise public awareness about the importance of preventing climate change and the benefits of using environmentally friendly transport.
    • Analytical research. Preparation of a feasibility study model on the feasibility of replacing hydrocarbon fuel transport with electric transport for social services of the region.

    To implement the initiative, two electric vehicles were purchased, ZOTYE E200 and ZOTYE Z500EV, assembled in Belarus. They are intended for use by social and medical services of the Ivyevsky district. One of this vehicles was transferred to the Ivyevsk Central District Hospital, where it is used to provide medical and social services, helping to improve the accessibility and efficiency of services to the population, including the delivery of medical workers to patients. The second vehicle was provided to the Center for Social Services for the Population of Ivyevsky District, where it is used to provide various types of social support, including the delivery of food and medicine to lonely elderly people and people with disabilities.

    Three key challenges facing the initiative are limited funding for initial investment, the need to expand charging infrastructure and changing public attitudes towards green transport. It also shows that successful implementation of new technologies requires not only infrastructure, but also broad support at all levels.

    RESULTS AND IMPACT 

    The initiative to introduce electric vehicles in the Ivyevsky region showed impressive results in reducing the impact of transport on the environment, reducing CO2 emissions by 15 tons.

    A series of educational and informational events were conducted, including introductory and final seminars with the participation of over 100 representatives of local communities and authorities, as well as a large-scale information campaign on the importance and benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    The first electric gas station in the region from GPO “Belorusneft” was installed.

    The prepared analytical study, justifying the feasibility of replacing hydrocarbon fuel transport with electric transport, laid the foundation for expanding this experience to other regions.

     

    Information sources:

    1. belta.by
    2. sb.by

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