Study Shows Brazil Has Potential for Harmony Between Electric and Ethanol Vehicles
The electrification of vehicles in Europe has generated an intense dispute between two opposing narratives. On the one hand, there is concern about the increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, especially in a context in which the continent’s energy matrix still depends heavily on fossil fuels, such as coal. This approach criticizes the expansion of electrified fleets on the grounds that, without a clean matrix, electrification could worsen the emissions problem.
On the other hand, there are experts who argue that the electrification of vehicles is a crucial step towards accelerating the energy transition. This group argues that, in the medium and long term, the adoption of electric vehicles could result in a significant reduction in carbon emissions, especially with the implementation of renewable energy in the European energy mix.
Brazilian ethanol
Professor Fernando de Lima Caneppele, from the School of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA) at USP, highlights the importance of the Brazilian alcohol-powered car, which is considered one of the most successful biofuel projects outside of Europe. The professor explained that when analyzing the life cycle of vehicles, it is essential to consider not only emissions during use, but also those generated in the production of electricity that powers electric cars. “In the case of Europe, this aspect is critical, since the plants that generate electricity often still use coal, increasing the emissions associated with electric vehicles,” he points out.
The professor highlights that, in contrast, the Brazilian alcohol-powered car cycle has a significant advantage, as the CO2 emitted during combustion is offset by the absorption of carbon from sugarcane during its cultivation. In addition, the production of ethanol from sugarcane generates valuable byproducts, such as sugar and biogas, which can be used sustainably.
According to the expert, sugarcane cultivation could be a key element in Brazil’s energy transition. He states that currently, practically all sugarcane waste is used, whether in energy production, fertigation or in the generation of second-generation ethanol and biogas. This full use, for the expert, reinforces the high rates of sustainability involved in the production of this biofuel.
Global North and South
According to Caneppele, in a scenario of technological transition, the solutions adopted by countries in the global north do not always apply to developing countries. He argues that Brazil should take advantage of this historic moment to chart its own path towards a sustainable, low-carbon energy matrix.
“The electrification of the fleet, whether in Brazil or worldwide, is an irreversible path, so it is advantageous to have a clean energy matrix. In the Brazilian case, we can easily coexist with both technologies, both electrification and alcohol-powered cars. In other countries, where the energy matrix is considered dirtier, such as countries that use coal, it can still be disadvantageous. In this case, alcohol-powered cars would be more advantageous,” he reflects.