Globally, the world faces severe challenges relating to energy security and environmental hazards and it struggles to ensure sustainability and mitigate climate change impacts. The transportation sector has been the major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions globally and will become the primary contributor by the end of this decade as predicted by the World Energy Report 2024.

Transforming transportation is essential and involves a massive shift toward clean mobility solution particularly for road transport, which is the major contributor for emissions. Energy consumption with clean mobility solutions has become a priority.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as the most preferred option due to their zero tailpipe emissions, ability to be powered by renewable energy, and potential to reduce air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.

EVs also offer lower operating costs making them a practical and sustainable choice for the future of transportation.

Even the total cost of acquisition, maintenance and operation of electric vehicles may be cheaper than the conventional vehicles during its useful life.

The interconnected relationship between community engagement, multi-modal connectivity, and sustainable energy sources forms the backbone of a holistic and community-driven sustainable transportation system. EV utility is one of the prominent ways to decarbonise the road transport sector.

In the context of developing countries, the policies and practices to establish EV adoption may be rooted in certain policy instruments along with community-driven practices. In Costa Rica, the National Plan for electric transport aims to promote the adoption of EVs.

The Chilean Government has also launched a National Electro — mobility strategy in 2021, establishing a set of measures to transition to electric mobility. 

In terms of renewable energy usage, harnessing solar energy has become the key source for these countries. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) launched a thought paper at COP29 focusing on strengthening the Global South collaborations. It emphasised the importance of scaling solar-based electric mobility solutions, with a particular focus on empowering youth, women and communities as drivers for this transition.

The global South countries have been the frontrunner in harnessing solar energy in energy transition due to the abundance of solar light. By leveraging abundant solar resources, these regions can power electric vehicles with clean, locally sourced energy, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and mitigating energy import costs. Integrating solar charging infrastructure with EV networks can accelerate the shift towards sustainable transport while providing energy access to vulnerable communities.

The community including the youth and women may play a pivotal role in advancing solar-based e-mobility solutions across the Global South, driving change through innovation, advocacy, and active participation.

Youth as innovators are powerful drivers of change, particularly in the global South, where their creativity and technological proficiency can address critical sustainability challenges. Youth’s ability to take the initiative to innovate and adapt to new technologies can create a major push for sustainable solutions.

With a deep awareness of climate issues and a willingness to embrace new ideas, young people are well-positioned to pioneer solutions like solar-based e-mobility and clean energy systems.The success of any project or initiative depends on the collective action and adaptability of the local population.

Communities, acting as collective owners and decision-makers, have the potential to drive significant change in the Global South by mobilising resources and fostering inclusive clean energy solutions. By organising themselves for demand aggregation, communities can pool their needs for solar-based e-mobility and renewable energy infrastructure, achieving economies of scale that make these technologies more affordable and accessible.

This collective approach reduces costs and attracts investment. Moreover, when communities have ownership stakes, they are more invested in the success and maintenance of these projects, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Through shared responsibility and collaboration, communities can create resilient energy systems that uplift local economies and contribute to climate action.Women as pioneers are crucial in driving change across the Global South, particularly by championing gender-inclusive approaches to solar-based e-mobility and renewable energy.

When women are empowered and actively involved, they bring unique perspectives to energy solutions, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of communities. Women can help improve project design, mobilising grassroots support through community engagement and driving awareness campaigns.

Often, several grassroots movements that have focused on energy justice and energy democracy have been led by women as they are usually the first respondents of any such issues.

They have also played a major role in sharing the mutual benefits and developing community-based utilities harnessing renewable energy. Empowering women as leaders and innovators creates more resilient and equitable communities, driving economic and social benefits and ensuring that no one is left behind in the energy transition.

Young people bring fresh ideas and technological expertise, while communities can collectively champion the adoption of clean mobility.

Women, particularly in rural areas, stand to benefit greatly from improved mobility and can serve as powerful agents of transformation.

Various best practices across the global south have witnessed these collaborations at the community level. Mobility for Africa is one such initiative where electric off-road tricycles are being used with integrated solar charging systems. Similarly in Jakarta, solar-powered electric bicycles and motorcycles are being used extensively by the locals.

These collaborative approaches not only support climate goals but also foster energy resilience and economic development. Investing in solar-powered e-mobility ensures that the transportation sector evolves in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner, addressing mobility needs effectively.

The journey towards a just energy transition and an equitable future for the global South demands a collective effort built on a cross-sectoral and participatory approach. Governments, businesses, communities, and civil society must come together to co-create and implement inclusive strategies that empower youth, elevate women’s roles, and harness community-driven initiatives.

Solar-based electric mobility stands out as a promising pathway, addressing pressing environmental concerns while enhancing energy security and economic resilience. By embracing collaboration, sharing knowledge, and investing in technological and policy innovations, the global South can forge a sustainable future where clean, reliable, and affordable transportation drives broader social and economic progress for all.

A sustainable future for transportation in the Global South hinges on collective action, innovation, and inclusive policies that empower communities, youth, and women.

By leveraging solar-based electric mobility, these regions can drive environmental progress, enhance energy security, and create lasting economic resilience.

(The author is a research associate at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). Views expressed are personal)